The weather conditions were atrocious on Saturday but the loyal supporters were at the Park to cheer captain for the day, Andrew Thomas, as he led his team out onto the field on the occasion of his 100th. appearance for Carmarthen Quins. Since 2003 Andrew Thomas has been a stalwart of the club, giving his all time after time in the back row. In that time he has scored 16 tries and surprisingly 3 drop goals for his team.
                       
The Quins played the first half into the driving rain and, as one might expect, it was a day for territorial kicking and driving forward play. Carmarthen controlled the game well and hardly allowed Corus out of their own half during the first quarter. In this time Mark Jones converted a penalty and then enterprising inter-passing between Steve Phillips, Anthony Rees and Ricky Richards released James Morgan into the corner for an unconverted try.
                       
Corus replied with Dean Scully, using the wind, to slot a 48m. penalty between the posts but, almost immediately, the home side came back with another try. James Morgan, who had an excellent debut at No.8, picked up the ball from the back of a scum and a blind side pass to Mark Jones saw him free in the corner.
                       
Just before half time Corus really fought back and hammered the Quins line but the defence was resolute and the home side led 13-3 at the interval.
                       
Five minutes into the second half Carmarthen got on the score sheet again. On the back of a fine forward rumble down the field the ball was finally squeezed to Mark Jones who cut through the defence before throwing a long pass to Rhys Williams free on the wing. The winger scored the try and this time Mark Jones was able to add the points.
                       
Considering the weather, both sides showed good skills to keep the ball alive but the game reached the final quarter before the next score. The Quins forced their way into the visitor’s “22” and piled on the pressure until gaining a 5m. scrum. From this a back row move allowed Andrew Thomas to fittingly add to the club score sheet with a try easily converted by Mark Jones.
                       
The game was now won but credit to Corus they would not give in and a spirited attack went through several phases before Chris Kinsey found enough space to score in the corner making the final score 27-8 to Carmarthen Quins.
                       
The home side won a bonus point with this win and the fans could walk away pleased with the commitment and skill on show by both teams on a day better suited for water skiing rather than rugby.

Next Match – Cwmllynfell (A)
Sat. Nov. 3rd.

Reporter – Keith Bond
Tgbond76@aol.com