It was a sunny but breezy afternoon at the Park as Carmarthen Quins prepared to take on Dunvant, currently struggling at the bottom of Division 1 West. Very quickly a pattern emerged and the difference between top and bottom of the table teams could be seen. The Quins pack dominated play virtually from the kick off winning most of the set piece play and generally over powering the opposition. Although Dunvant tackled fiercely it was still surprising at the end of the first quarter that the score was only 3-3 after successful penalties from Craig Jones and Richard Lewis. The home team now tried some extravagant passing moves only to keep breaking down before Craig Jones restored a slender lead with another successful penalty.

In response to this penalty the visitors tried a kick off with the ball bouncing erratically along the ground. To their astonishment Paul Arnold picked up cleanly and made over 30m. before off loading to fellow lock, Arwel Davies, following up strongly. Arwel shrugged off a couple of defenders trying in vain to catch him and touched down to complete a glorious 65m. break away try.

This was the final score before half time and it was a little disappointing as the forwards were in so much control and when the ball did get out to the wings they looked particularly dangerous. However, too many moves broke down and too many turnovers were conceded so that the lead of 11-3 was meagre reward for the powerful Quins “eight”.

Home fans were cheered at the start of the second half when Anthony Rees made 50m. down his wing before sending the ball back along the line to opposite winger, Dan Gravell, who was forced into touch short of the line.

For the rest of the quarter play ebbed and flowed between the “22’s” with move after move breaking down and turnovers conceded by both sides so that the score remained unaltered.

Into the final quarter and Mark Jones, now taking over kicking duties, slotted two penalties with Andrew Williams converting a massive 55m. penalty for Dunvant in reply.

Anthony Rees, who looked lively throughout when given opportunity, finally gained his reward when the Quins pack took another ball against the head and the ball was quickly released along the line for Anthony to crash over in the corner.

Dunvant, although a well beaten side, still went on the attack in the dying minutes and it took some last ditch Carmarthen defence to keep them out and finish off the winners by 22-6.

The Carmarthen Quins team will be pleased with the win but disappointed that such awesome dominance by the pack was not converted into more points.