Match Reports for Under 14's Season 2009-2010

Aberavon Quins Under14s (19) v Llandaff Under 14s (12)
Sun 24th Jan (Away)

This was a scrappy lacklustre performance from the Quins who hadn't played since December 13th but just before half time Calvin Wellington gave the Quins the lead when he out paced the Llandaff defence from half way to score.

In the second period Llandaff came back into it and after Regan Grace scored a typical long range try the home team scored one of their own.  They levelled the scores with a few minutes left but when a Llandaff kick was charged down Regan was on hand to put the result beyond doubt with another blistering race for the line. Kieran Davies was his usual accurate self and added three conversions.

Harley Evans was  aggressive in contact, tackling and running like a runaway bison. Quade Boal, Jack Coughlin, Tyler Hopkins and Kyle Williams all worked hard but the long lay off was all too apparent. Next week should see a big improvement!

Match Reports for Under 14's Season 2009-2010

Aberavon Quins Under14s (70) v Bryncoch Under 14s (0)
Sun 13th Dec (Away)

Hat tricks from Kyle Williams and Harley Evans, a brace apiece from Regan Grace and Calvin Wellington plus tries from Daniel Helson and Ryan Phillips saw the Quins score an emphatic win over a committed but under strength Bryncoch side.

Jack Dacey notched 2 conversions with Calvin, Jacob Flynn and Ryan 1 each.

Jack “Alun Wyn” Coughlin, Dylan May, Tyler Hopkins, Keanu Piles and Kieran Aaron Davies all stood out for the Quins.

Aberavon Quins Under14s (52) v CORUS Under 14s (0)
Wed 25th Nov (Away)

In very slippery conditions both sides played some enterprising football but the Quins, with the swirling wind conditions in their favour, took the lead when prop James Evans-Price propelled himself at the Corus players. He was surrounded by defenders but blasted his way through them to score the first try. Kieran Davies notched the first of his seventeen point contribution when he kicked a difficult conversion. Two tries from Harley Evans, who tore the Corus defence apart with aggressive running, one from close range by Jack Coughlin and two typical springbok like runs from wing Regan Grace and three more conversions from Kieran brought the score to thirty eight points to nil at half time.

In the second period Corus used the wind advantage to put pressure on the Quins but mesmerising running from Calvin Wellington and Harley ensured Corus could never settle. One break out saw the Quins go fifty metres and ended when Kieran dived over in the corner. The final nail in the coffin was driven home when a surging move by Harley was supported by Jack Dacey. He threatened to score from forty metres but the cover defence got to him, he kept his composure and threw a scoring pass for Regan to bound over under the posts. This was the final score when referee Geoff Woods blew to end the game after a Corus player suffered a knee injury.

This was a fine performance from the Quins. The coaches must have been pleased that their hard work on rucking and counter-rucking payed off in this game, especially in the first half when Dylan Mclaughlin, Kyle Williams, Tyler Hopkins, Conor O’Callaghan, Dylan May, Daniel Helson and flanker Kieran Davies all hit the rucks powerfully and correctly.

Aberavon Quins Under14s (12) v Camarthen Quins 14s (10)
Sun 8th Nov (Home)

The try count ended two apiece and the only conversion of the game, a brilliant effort from fly half Kieran Davies way out on the left against the wind, effectively won the game for Aberavon.

The early exchanges were inconclusive with both sides cancelling each other out with strong defence. Eventually Aberavon gained momentum when flanker Conor O’Callaghan stepped a defender to hand on to winger Regan Grace who grabbed the half chance to race away and score.

It was the turn of Carmarthen to exert pressure and a sweeping move ended with a try in the corner to level the scores at half time.

In the second period Aberavon put pressure on themselves giving away silly penalties. Carmarthen took full advantage of Aberavon’s indiscretions to take the lead for the first time. To their credit Aberavon hit back with the impressive Dylan Mclaughlin driving at the Carmarthen defenders. With their defence stretched Dylan forced his way over in the corner to level the scores. Kieran clinched the game with that monumental conversion.

This was a great advert for junior rugby, very competitive with tremendous defence and a good attitude from both sides well refereed by Chris Williams without whom the game could not have gone on. Thanks Chris!!

Players who stood out for Aberavon were Daniel Helson who tackled really well early on, Jack Dacey put in some big hits and  Kyle Williams ruled the lineout leaping like a salmon to secure his own ball, pinching a few off the opposition into the bargain.

It has been something of a mishmash of a season to date but this performance gave glimpses of what Aberavon are capable of and augurs well for the rest of the season.

Aberavon Quins Under14s (35) v Resolven 14s (5)
Sun 11th Oct (Away)

In poor conditions the Quins emerged victorious from this compelling match against a very strong and committed Resolven side. The Quins attacked from the first whistle with Keanu Piles running cleverly but it was the pace and strength of centre Harley Evans that produced the first score when he dived over with defenders hanging on to him. Kieran Davies added the extra points.

In a riveting first period Dylan McLaughan lifted the Quins forwards with two typically aggressive tries. Kieran converted one of these. Resolven hit back just after half time with a well deserved try but almost immediately full back Calvin Wellington fielded a high ball and raced seventy metres to score unopposed under the posts. Kieran bagged another two points.

Buoyed by their first half performance the Quins continued to dominate and when Kieran added the points to Dylan’s third try the game was over.

Kyle Williams, Daniel Helson and Conor O’Callaghan were outstanding up front with Mike Burgess, James Price-Evans and flanker Kieran Davies making telling contributions.

In the backs Regan Grace did not have many opportunities to show his pace but his defence was superb launching himself scud-like into tackles. Jack Dacey directed operations in midfield, scrum half Jacob Flynn was on top of his game spoiling and harassing and Luke Keogh tackled strongly.

Coach Paddy O’Callaghan’s  mantra win the territory and keep the pressure on certainly paid off in this game for the Quins boys.

Aberavon Quins Under14s (35) v Tondu 14s (12)
Sun 4th Oct (Away)

The Quins were full value for their first win of the season against a tenacious Tondu side. Both sides were under strength but the Quins were always dangerous when wing Regan Grace had the ball. He racked up three tries and threatened on a number of occasions. Jack Dacey ran cleverly in midfield and tackled strongly well supported by the strength of centre partner Harley Evans.

Outside half Kieran Davies kicked well out of hand and picked up five conversions.

The arrival of Dylan McLaughlin in the second period sparked a purple patch for the Quins when he raced over for a try and pounded into the opposition well supported by James Price-Evans, Kyle Williams, flanker Kieran Davies and Jack Coughlin. After one such burst from Dylan prop Daniel Helson picked up and dived over under the posts.

Tondu were not giving up and scored two good tries of their own one of which was very well converted.

Coach Andrew Dacey hopes to be able to pick from a full strength squad for the first time this season when the Quins take on Resolven.

Match Reports for Under 13's Season 2008-2009

Corus Festival of Rugby
Sun 19th April

The Quins rounded off the season with three wins in the Corus Rugby Festival played in brilliant sunshine. Someone up there likes you Mike!!!

Bryncoch, Tonmawr and Corus found themselves on the end of some brilliant Quins rugby. The muscular Harley Evans played with enterprise and alacrity and was voted the Quins player of the tournament.

Kyle Williams, Quade Boale and Mike Burgess were powerful throughout with Jacob Flynn, Kieran Davies, Jack Dacey and Sam Tucker complementing their power with poise and electric handling.

Keanu Piles overcame some robust tackling to put the Quins on the offensive and lay the foundation for assaults on the opposition lines. Calvin Wellington and Regan Grace had indecent pace but Tyler Hopkins, Levi Roberts and Conor O’Callaghan, who had an inspirational influence on the festival, provided the backs with oodles of ball. 

This was a showcase for local talent and Jack Anderson of Bryncoch, Kieran Harris of Tonmawr and Joe Gage from Corus all stood out. Well done boys see you all again next season

Aberavon Quins Under13s (21) v Tonmawr 13s (7)
Sun 12th April (Home)

In terms of territory and possession the Quins maintained a grip for most of the game; however, Tonmawr survived the powerful start of the Quins and took a seven point lead with a try out of the blue. It was a clever individual try from their fly half who scorched through some weak tackling to score. H e also knocked over the extra two points. The Quins were not going to subside and after pressure from their forwards Jack Dacey darted and dazzled between two defenders to score under the posts. Kieran Davies levelled the score with a straightforward conversion.

Tyler Hopkins helped keep the pressure on Tonmawr by dominating the hooking duel and from one strike against the head the powerful Harley Evans forced his way over. Kieran converted brilliantly from wide out.

In the second period Dylan Mclaughlin, Jack Coughlin, and Kyle Williams worked Levi Roberts over from short range. Kieran converted from wide out on the right hand touchline. Coach Andrew Dacey rang the changes and replacements Cory Bradley, Calvin Jones, Keanu Piles and Jordan Doyle made important contributions, and after a six week layoff flanker Conor O’Callaghan made a big impact with strong running, mauling and tackling. Full back Calvin Wellington returning after a skiing holiday looked sharp and his positional play was superb. One couldn’t tell that he had a hard week on the piste.

This was a great advert for local rugby well refereed by Jeff Woods.

Aberavon Quins Under13s (45) v Corus 13s (5)
Sun 29th March (Home)

Corus put up a brave rearguard performance but eventually capitulated to the Quins pace and power. The Quins are capable of both collective and individual brilliance and was epitomised by Calvin Wellington who was really up for this game. He snatched 3 tries, with Harley Evans two and Regan Grace and prop Levi Roberts one each. Corus pulled one back just before the interval with some smart passing along their three quarter line.

When opportunities presented themselves the Quins were ruthless and Corus had no answer to the speed of Regan Grace. The crowd looked on in awe at his blistering pace when he sprinted 50 metres to score under the posts. He surely has a big future in the game. Top class performances from Kyle Williams, who rampaged around the field like Paul Tito, Jonathan Thomas, who is a legend, Calvin Jones, Mike Burgess and Quade Boal laid the foundation for this hard earned win. With Keanu Piles moving between fullback, centre and wing the Quins kept Corus on the back for most of the game. Kieran Davies converted 5 out of the seven tries and has laid claim to the 10 shirt for seasons to come. Jacob Flynn, under pressure from Corus players, sent out a stream of quick accurate passes, surely one of the best passers of the ball at half back in the Osprey region.

The Quins have two remaining games this season and are hoping to finish in style.

Aberavon Quins Under13s (19) v Swansea Uplands Under 13s (19)
Sun 22nd March (Home)
Ospreys Cup - Semi Final

This Osprey Cup semi final was a great confrontation, passionate and tense. The tension was sometimes unbearable for the large crowd who turned out on Mothering Sunday when many of them could have been saying it with flowers elsewhere.

With the scores level at the end the Uplands went through to the final on the away team rule, that is, when the scores are level and the try count is equal the away team goes through. Unsatisfactory perhaps and I think both sides wanted an outright winner. A replay would have been preferable, such was the intensity and competiveness of all the players and I’m sure they would have wanted to do it all over again.

The quality of rugby matched the occasion and beautiful weather. In the early stages the Quins made two crucial mistakes which allowed the Uplands to score two simple converted tries. In the meantime gritty scrum half Jacob Flynn shrugged off a number of attempted tackles to dive over for a 14 points to 5 Uplands lead at the interval.

In the second period the Uplands extended their lead when their wing raced away to score. At this point it looked all over the Quins but inspired by Dylan Mclaughlin who was unstoppable when he crashed over they came back into it. With Harley Evans making inroads into Uplands territory slick passing along the backline allowed Regan Grace to outpace a desperate defence to score. Kieran Davies put over two brilliant touchline conversions prompting first XV coach David McGrath to comment that “not many first team players would have kicked those”.

The Quins would surely have gone on to win but the final whistle ended a compelling game well refereed by Jeff Woods. Thanks Jeff for all your support this season the boys have appreciated it.

Good luck to Swansea Uplands in the final. Go for it boys!!

Aberavon Quins Under13s (21) v South Gower 13s (05)
Sun 8th March (Home)

The Quins led 21 – 0 after just 15 minutes and it looked as if South Gower would be overwhelmed but heroic defence and plenty of confidence in attack ensured the game was never dead.

Harley Evans opened the scoring in the first minute when he stepped outside a number of defenders to score under the posts. Kieran Davies added the two points. In a planned move Calvin Wellington hit a gap at pace to evade tacklers and score out wide. Kieran notched the conversion from near the touchline.

In atrocious conditions both teams tried to be enterprising but it was Harley who claimed the Quins third and his second try. Kieran once again slammed over the conversion from way out on the right touchline. A few minutes later Regan Grace crossed under the posts but was prevented from grounding the ball by a great tackle.

As conditions and the playing surface deteriorated the defence of both sides dominated the remainder of the match. Levi Roberts with some strong mauling, Jack Dacey, Daniel Helson, Jack Coughlin, Sam Tucker, Kyle Williams and Kieran Davies all excelled in the tackle area and prevented the South Gower boys from threatening the try line although a kick and chase almost resulted in a score but the ball just eluded a diving South Gower player and was just out of play before he could get his hands on the slippery ball.

Both teams should be commended for trying to play expansive rugby in trying conditions, and for the spirit it was played in. Well done both teams.

Aberavon Quins Under13s (51) v Gorseinon Under13s (0)
Ospreys Cup
Sunday 22nd Feb (Away)

A beautiful morning and a pitch in top condition welcomed both teams but turned out to be a one- sided contest. A comprehensive 9 try victory for the Quins against a gritty and committed Gorseinon side whose second rows and scrum half battled bravely but could not prevent the Quins prevailing.

From the kick off Calvin Wellington plucked the ball out of mid air and out paced the Gorseinon players to score. Kieran Davies added the extra two points. Jack Coughlin followed this with a surging run to score for Kieran to convert. Slick handling from Conor O’Callaghan put Regan Grace hurtling down the touchline to touchdown. Kieran once again added the extras.  Regan was unstoppable at this point and he raced over for another try. Mesmeric handling by the three quarters saw Kieran Davies claim another.

The Quins were now on their mettle and one felt that Gorseinon would pay the price. So it proved when scrum - half Jacob Flynn waltzed through a stretched defence to score. Centre Sam Tucker was soon on the score sheet with a mazy run which saw him beat three defenders to score under the posts.

The Quins continued in the same vein in the second half and wing Harley Evans outwitted determined defenders to score. It was just a matter of time before the Quins ended the game with another score. Prop Lee Evans went on a lung bursting surge for the line but was halted short, front row colleague Tyler Hopkins was in support to brush aside desperate tacklers to score and bring the game to an end. 

Aberavon Quins Under13s (26) v Pencoed Under13s (12)
Ospreys Cup
Sunday 15th Feb (Home)

This was an impressive performance from the Quins although at times in the first half they were guilty of some defensive lapses which infuriated their coaches. In a frantic, compelling and enjoyable game the Quins came home comfortably in the end.
From the outset the Quins were committed to playing a high tempo game spreading the ball wide at every opportunity. They were rewarded for this approach when a half break and pass out of the tackle by centre Sam Tucker sent full back Calvin Wellington racing away to score. Kieran Davies knocked over a brilliant conversion. Pencoed hit back immediately and scored through their powerful forwards. The conversion failed. The Quins retaliated when Conor O’Callaghan, Jonathan Thomas and Jack Dacey worked Kieran Davies clear for him to dive over in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful.Pencoed hit back once again through their forwards to score under the posts. This time the conversion went over to level the scores at half time.
In the second period the Quins attacked the breakdown more meaningfully through Dylan McLaughlin, Kyle Williams, Jack Coughlin and Calvin Jones. This gave scrum half and captain Jacob Flynn much better quality ball and two strikes against the head from hooker Tyler Hopkins presented him with even more possession which he used to great effect. Winger Regan Grace’s ability to exploit space proved decisive when he ducked and weaved his way over under the posts. Kieran added the two points. The Quins were on top at this point and when a Pencoed passing move broke down in midfield Sam Tucker hacked on, Harley Evans continued the kick and chase. He picked up the bouncing ball and linked with the supporting Dylan McLaughlin. When he was tackled Dylan off-loaded to Sam Tucker who side-stepped two desperate defenders to score a try that came from exerting pressure and maintaining their composure. Kieran ended the game with another fine conversion and a twenty six points to twelve victory.

Aberavon Quins Under13s (17) v Porthcawl Under13s (19)
Ospreys Cup
Sunday 25th Jan (Away)

This was a game that could have gone either way but Porthcawl after being behind on three occasions managed to slot the conversion that mattered to give them a hard earned win.
The Quins struggled for ball but whenever they got it wide first Regan Grace raced from 60 metres to score and then Calvin Wellington also raced 60 metres to score with Kieran Davies slotting one excellent conversion. Each time Porthcawl hit back but in the second half Harley Evans, in only his third game at fullback this season got better and better as the game wore on, broke through some half hearted tackling to make it into the opposition 22 before putting Kieran over.
Dylan Mclaughlin, Mike Burgess and Jack Coughlin battled hard up front in a forward contest that at times became attritional. Jacob Flynn at scrum half suffered high and late tackles but sniped around the fringes and varied his game well when possession allowed.
Porthcawl snatched victory in the last few minutes but the Quins are still very much in the hunt for the Cup but they must win their two remaining games against Pencoed and Gorseinon to progress.

Aberavon Quins Under13s (20) v Bryncoch Under13s (7)
Ospreys Cup
Sunday 25th Jan (Home)

This was an uncompromising cup encounter between two very good sides. The Quins excelled from one to fifteen but the pack was particularly outstanding with Dylan McLaughlin, Quade Boal, Tyler Hopkins Levi Roberts, who scrummaged with relish,  while Jack Coughlin, Kyle Williams and Daniel Helson rucked and mauled strongly to prevent Bryncoch getting any parity. The Quins played with rare pace and attacking power to secure this very important win. It was to their credit that danger man Jack Anderson’s threat was nullified by the midfield pairing of captain Jack Dacey and Sam Tucker. It took a moment of magic when the result was beyond doubt for Anderson to kick and catch to race clear under the posts for a converted try.
Conor O’Callaghan foraged and disrupted Bryncoch’s ball throughout the game. Martin Wiliams look out!!
A sustained period of pressure culminated in Conor setting up Calvin Wellington for the opening score with Dylan powering over for two more. Harley Evans, who has settled into his new role at full back dived over for another. Late on one half of the impressive boiler house, Kyle Williams claimed a well deserved try. Kieran Davies slotted two conversions, one from wide out, and kicked and passed intelligently.
Regan Grace made the most of the few chances that came his way. One searing run resulted in a try for Harley. Jacob Flynn at scrum half cajoled his pack and made some telling forays into much bigger players and proved a nightmare for the opposition and the referee.
When they came on Calvin Jones, Keanu Piles and Jonathan Thomas defended as if their lives depended on it.
This game was a credit to both teams.
Great stuff boys!!!

Aberavon Quins Under13s (20) v Pontypridd 13s (5)
Sun 11th Dec (Away)

This was a tough encounter for the Quins pack but they stuck together with the uncompromising Dylan McLaughlin ripping and mauling strongly throughout the game. Kyle Williams and Jonathan Thomas backed him up with Tyler Hopkins, Calvin Jones, Conor O’Callaghan and Quade Boal lending much needed support against a much bigger set of forwards. Scrum half Jacob Flynn coped well under pressure from the Ponty forwards and managed to give his fly half partner a swift accurate service.

The Quins struggled for quality possession but when the ball was moved wide Sam Tucker and Calvin Wellington threatened the home defence, but it took 20 minutes for Regan Grace to cross wide out. Harley Evans at full back always on the alert to counter attack entered the line to score, again wide out on the left.

In the second period the Quins were under intense pressure but Kieran took full advantage of a fortunate ricochet to grab the ball to race clear and score. This was followed by a long period of Ponty pressure where they scored a try with referee Jamie Morgan unsighted. This was the signal for the Quins to lay siege to the Ponty line after a brilliant drop out from Kieran. They camped on the Ponty line for the remainder of the game. Slick passing between Jack Dacey and Sam saw wing Calvin Wellington wrong foot the home defence to claim a well deserved try.

This was another hard game for the Quins but excellent preparation for the tough Osprey Cup games to come. Coaches Andrew and Paddy have a lot to work on but the commitment from the boys is second to none.

Have a great Christmas everyone.  There is everything to play for in the New Year!!!

Aberavon Quins Under13s (12) v Bridgend Athletic 13s (17)
Sun 14th Dec (Away)

The Quins gave a very strong Athletic side 12 points start with poor organisation and slipshod handling early on. As the game wore on the boys gradually got the “bus” out of their systems and the forwards piled on the pressure. Quade Boal, Jack Coughlin and Kyle Williams put in big efforts in this phase of the game and surprisingly won more than their fair share of lineout possession against much bigger opposition. Jacob Flynn sent out a stream of good passes but the Athletic managed to cope defensively although they were stretched to the limit on a number of occasions.

In the second period Harley Evans, who was outstanding throughout, made some dangerous forays into Athletic territory and kicked intelligently to mount pressure on the Athletic defence. The Quins got back into the game when the ever dangerous Regan Grace jinked his way into space and raced away to score. Conor O’Callaghan added the extra points.

The Quins were now on top and Harley was unlucky not to score. Sam Tucker and Jack Dacey worked overtime in defence and both put in some deft kicks to pressurise the Athletic defenders. When the Quins were penalised for being in front of the kicker their defence went walkabout and allowed the Athletic to get a decisive score.

Not deterred by this setback the forwards again took the initiative with the impressive Dylan McLaughlin driving at the heart of the home defence. When the Athletic were penalised he took a quick tap penalty and pounded his way through would be tacklers to get a deserved score.

This was a very entertaining game but the Quins cannot afford to give sides as good as Bridgend Athletic a start. They will learn from this knowing that a bit more belief and concentration could have seen a very different result 

Aberavon Quins Under13s (57) v Corus 13s (5)
Sun 30th Nov (Away)

Corus gained a consolation score through Rhys Edmonds but were up against it from the word go. Kieran Davies outstripped the defence to score the first of a hat trick and Regan Grace raced away for his customary try. Harley Evans benefitted from slick centre play by Sam Tucker and co-centre Calvin Wellington to out pace Corus players and score.

Kieran knocked over three conversions while Regan helped himself to another try. Calvin W notched up another and slotted a conversion.

In the second half debut making prop Calvin Jones supported his namesake Calvin W to drive over for his first try for the club. Calvin W raced clear to end the try scoring and Kieran and Mike Burgess stroked over one conversion apiece for an emphatic victory over local rivals Corus.

Jack Coughlin, Kyle Williams, Levi Roberts, Lee Evans, Tyler Hopkins and Daniel Helson all worked hard up front but Conor O’Callaghan at open side was the pick of the forwards with some driving play and intelligent support work.

The lead up to Christmas will be a particularly hard time for the Quins with away games against Pontypridd and last seasons Osprey Cup winners Bridgend Athletic. 

Aberavon Quins Under 13s (22) v Nantyffyllon Under 13s (12)
Sun 16th Nov (Away)

The Quins were up against it for long periods with the Nanty forwards particularly aggressive at rucks and mauls. They took the lead early on but the Quins worked flying winger Regan Grace clear to score wide out. The Quins took the lead soon after when Regan once again outpaced Nanty’s cover defence to score under the posts. Conor O’Callaghan converted.

The Quins withstood early pressure from Nanty but hit back when Regan raced 50 metres to register his hat trick in the corner. Nanty hit back with a try from one of their second rows but pressure from the outstanding Dylan McLoughlin enabled Tyler Hopkins to dive over a pile of bodies to score.

This was a very good win for the Quins made possible by sound defence from Jack Dacey, Sam Tucker and Conor O’Callaghan. Jonathan Thomas,   Daniel Helson, Jack Coughlin and Levi Roberts battled well, supported by Tyler, Lee Evans, Kyle Williams, Quade Boal and Tom Grace. Calvin Wellington shone on debut with some powerful runs and solid defence.

This performance should set the Quins up for the remainder of the season.