On the last Saturday of the year Carmarthen Quins took the opportunity to reduce their backlog of fixtures by playing a rearranged match with Waunarlwydd at short notice. Unfortunately the conditions determined the game to a certain extent with a strong, freezing wind driving along the Roseland Road ground bringing with it frequent heavy showers.

Waun kicked off with the wind at their backs and used the conditions to keep the Quins at bay. Unable to kick, the visitors found it difficult to attack their opponent’s “22” for the first quarter and play tended to stagnate near the half way line.

As the game progressed Carmarthen began to keep the ball in hand and tried some interesting inter-passing moves around a pack starting to dominate in the tight.

The home side took the lead with a 50m. Simon Daniel penalty but within minutes a touch finding penalty by the visitors allowed them to set up a rolling maul and push over the line. Spenser Bessant claimed the try.

Just before half time Carmarthen were running strongly at a tiring Waun side with Josh Freeman, Andrew Thomas and Jim Morgan being prominent. The home side tried to spoil and slow down the game. Frustration led to fighting and from the melee Edward Bennett and Alan Mason were picked out to receive yellow cards.

The Quins were generally in command in the second half. Waun battled bravely and a combination of some hard tackling and cold visitor’s fingers prevented any further tries in the third quarter. During this time Gethin Lillicrap was yellow carded for a spear tackle on Carmarthen centre, Daniel Rodgers, and the only points came from three Mark Jones’ penalties.

The final quarter was played in heavy gloom but play was brightened by some slick passing moves, particularly in the biting cold, and darting runs at the Waun defence particularly by the two wings and Ricky Richards and Mark Jones at half back.

The Quins gained a well deserved try as a result of Ricky Richards making a 25m. run from a quick tap penalty. He held the ball up for the pack to join him and roll it just short of the line. From the resulting scrum, a quick pass to Alan Mason, returning from a long lay off, gave him enough room to force his way over the line. Mark Jones added the points.

Carmarthen Quins now travel to Whitland on January 5th. but four points closer to league leaders, Tonmawr. Reporter – Keith Bond

Next Match : Whitland ()
Date:  5 January 2008.

Reporter: Keith Bond