Carmarthen Quins and their supporters travelled to Cwmllynfell on the weekend. The weather was still and sunny high in the hills and ideal for rugby. When the visiting team took to the field, however, the reception was far more hostile and a lot less balmy than the weather.

The Quins, perhaps unsettled, were put on the back foot straight from the whistle and within minutes were seven points behind after hooker, Kinsey, was forced over for a try by his pack and Paul Davies converted.

Carmarthen responded strongly and for the rest of the half dominated the game with Cwm’s only answer, seemingly, being high kicks which allowed the visitors to run the ball back at them.

The first try came within 15 min. after the Quins forwards and backs had gone through many phases before Craig Jones, playing at fullback, had enough space to force himself over for a try he then converted himself.

For the next few minutes the home side came under heavy forward pressure and their line was hammered. Craig Jones again went for the line but this time was held up short. Fortunately quick ball allowed Dan Hawkins to sneak under the defence for a try again converted by Craig Jones.

Cwm now showed some resistance kicking the ball deep into the Carmarthen “22” but from one of these attacks the visitors were able to break out, Alex Wilkins made a strong run through the defence and, although the off load came out awkwardly, Spenser Bessant was able hack the ball on, follow up his kick and score a fine try. Craig Jones added the points.

The final try of the half came just before the interval when Mark Jones kicked through diagonally with a ball intended for Craig Jones. He was taken out without the ball but fortunately for the Quins Anthony Rees was there to complete the move and touch down in the corner.

Paul Davies managed to convert a penalty in the dying minute. Carmarthen, therefore, led at half time 26-10 and had already secured their bonus point.

Early in the second half Craig Jones and Paul Davies exchanged penalties. However, play was now being disrupted. Cwm started losing their discipline, punches were thrown, cards were being issued and at times the game became unsightly.

During this time Alex Wilkins in the centre made another fine 40m. break but unfortunately it came to nothing and the only remaining try came from a kick deep into the Cwm “22”. The ball was fumbled but advantage was played as Anthony Rees followed up quickly and scored in the corner.

In the final quarter the home side were allowed uncontested scrums and it gave their pack some respite from being pushed back and turned in set pieces.

With the game coming to a close Carmarthen camped themselves on the opposition 5m. line. They elected to take three or four scrums instead of the penalties awarded but failed to breach the line. The crowd also had to witness more punches thrown and a particularly unsavoury incident when it appeared that someone off the home touch line started throwing punches at the visiting players as well.

Unfortunately the game was over now as the right sort of spectacle, although Cwm tried to finish off with a few running moves, and it was Carmarthen Quins who finished the 34-13 winners.

Next Match : Dunvant ()
Date:  10 November 2007.

Reporter: Keith Bond