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Match Reports
By
Phill Dacey
e-mail :- phillip@dacey.wanadoo.co.uk
Reports : 2002
/ 2003 Reports
: 2003 / 2004
Season 2004 / 2005
Aberavon Harlequins 34 Vardre 0
In a remarkable turn around of fortune, the Quins reversed a 28-0 defeat at Vardre in the opening game of the season with a resounding four try victory in their last game of this season’s campaign. Although the score suggests a rout it was far from that. Vardre enjoyed the better quality ball from the line-out and were always eager to unleash their three-quarters. Aggressive defence from the home side thwarted the Tawe Valley side. With the cross wind slightly in their faces the Quins found it heavy going in the opening quarter. Full-back Mark Sheppard kicked superbly out of hand as did scrum-half Marcus David. It was from a mighty kick by Sheppard the Quins secured their first foothold in Vardre territory. A classy line out take by Darren Gibbs led to No.8 Gareth Rice bursting strongly into the visitors 22 and from the ensuing maul; Marcus David darted through and took out the last defender with a scoring pass to flanker, Richard Wanklin. Sheppard converted and later added a penalty to put the Quins ahead against the run of play. Injuries to the regular tight head props resulted in retired Andrew Dacey and Steve Ridd sharing the duties and their presence together with skipper Paul Miller and Richard Diaz was made evident in their powerful scrummaging.
With the wind advantage in the second half the Quins produced some remarkable football, often orchestrated from deep in their own half by Ash Davies. His break, reminiscent of the traditional welsh fly half play mesmerised the visitors as would-be tacklers floundered in his wake. Intelligent support play saw right-winger Jamie Lean touch down in the corner. Sheppard converted from the wide angle. The Quins eight were gaining the upper hand as the visitors scrum was continually perambulated backwards. Locks Stu Williams and Darren Gibbs together with back-row men Robert Jones, Gareth Rice & Richard Wanklin swarmed among the opposition and when another Vardre attack buckled under stern defending, Ash Davies grabbed a loose ball on his own 10 metre line and scorched over beneath the crossbar. Sheppard goaled easily and a penalty restart for dissent saw the youngster stroke the ball over from the half-way line.
It was the sponsor’s choice of man of the match, Ashley Davies who had the last say when another great break from way out split the Vardre defence and Sheppard rounded off a great personal performance by slotting the conversion.
After the match Darren Gibbs was awarded the trophy as Supporters
Club player of the year.
As the season draws to a close the Quins injury list gets longer and the club was forced to call upon the services of team manager Steve Ridd as tight head prop.
Playing into the strong wind the Quins set about the home side and some probing runs by scrum half Jamie Morgan and centre Richard Thomas negated the wind advantage for twenty minutes. Tudor Rees eased Seven ahead with a straight penalty. This spurred the home side into attack mode and fly half Ash Davies and full back Mark Sheppard tackled heroically.
The first try came when an error during an attempted break out from defence gifted Seven Sisters a try to full back Richard Lewis. Rees converted and soon added a dropped goal. As the first half drew to a close the Quins supporters considered a thirteen points deficit acceptable with the wind at their backs in the second half. Hopes were dashed however when strong running left wing Dafydd Francis forced his way over and Rees converted from the touchline.
Twenty points in arrears the Quins strove to get into the game but were thwarted by superb lineout work particularly from James Brown & Darren Davies. Scrum half Gavin Hooper put in a top class performance as did full back Richard Lewis. The Quins pressed strongly as the scrum steadily wore down the Seven pack in the tight but were found wanting in the loose. Quins scrum half, Jamie Morgan opened up the home defence and a smart reverse pass put N0.8 Gareth Rice over. Sheppard converted from a wide angle. The Quins then enjoyed a period of superiority but the waves of attacks foundered on the rock like defence of the home side. As the visitors seemed disillusioned Seven Sisters hit back hard. Further tries came from Francis and Richard Lewis and a conversion from Tudor Rees gave the home side a well earned victory.
A solid first half performance from the Quins pack laid the foundations of a well deserved victory. From the Quins kick-off winger Mike Parfitt leapt high to initiate an attack which should have brought a score. Good probing runs from scrum-half Darren Flynn caused consternation in the brynamman defence and it was not long before the inevitable score came. Good lineout work from Rob Jones saw lock Stu Williams, flanker s Richard Wanklin and Darren Nicholas combine to put No.8 Gareth Rice in possession and with back-up from Paul Miller and Richard Diaz the No.8 touched down. Mike Parfitt missed the conversion but soon added a penalty to stretch the home lead. The Quins eight appeared to gain complete dominance over the visitors and this was spearheaded by powerful bursts from prop Karl Robins eager support from the superb Richard Wanklin boded ill for the visitors. A sweeping attack was initiated by Mike Parfitt was thwarted on the Brynamman line but an almighty heave by the Quins eight hurled the visitors off the ball and Rice grabbed his second try. Parfitt's goal attempt hit an upright but fly half Ash Davies dropped a goal to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Brynamman did not fold up however and some and good kicking from Gareth Davies at fly half gained large amounts of ground and back row men Dissicks and Cadell deserved praise for their efforts. It was in the tight that Bryn suffered and had little answer to the power play of Stuart Williams. Robins and Nicholas. Scrum half, Flynn varied his play cleverly interspersing telling kicks with probing bursts. No. 8 Rice completed his hat trick when he finished off a move orchestrated between Mike Parfitt, Robins, Flynn and full back Richard Thomas. Ash Davies converted to make the half time lead 23-0
In the second half the Quins again showed their irritating habit of going to sleep on a lead. Brynamman took full advantage of this and it was only great defending by Rick Parfitt that prevented a score but it was not long in coming and centre Mike Lewis crossed for a smart try which Gareth Davies converted. This was a wake up call for the Quins and lock Rob Jones secured good line out ball for the Quins to march up field. Good tactical kicking by Flynn and Davies put a strangle hold on Brynamman and when Rice fed the ball back from a maul, Gary Evans put his co-centre Neil Pugsley over for the Quins fourth try. Brynamman had a late consolation when the excellent Steve Cadell latched on to a charged down kick to score. Davies again converted. The sponsor’s man of the match was Darren Flynn
The Quins returned to winning ways with a narrow but deserved win at Nantyffyllon. Owing to the fact that the home side were unable to field an experienced front row the game was played with passive scrummaging. This affected the Quins approach as they pride themselves in their scrum ability.
The opening quarter was evenly contested and it took a typical burst from prop Karl Robins to break the deadlock for Richard Wanklin to touchdown. Mark Sheppard converted.
Nanty hit back immediately and good running from Lloyd Paget and Alan Phillips paved the way for a Mark Thomas try. Lee Bumford converted to level the scores. The Quins then applied pressure and locks Stuart Williams & Darren Gibbs were well to the fore. It was Gibbs’ combination with No.8 Gareth Rice and hooker Paul Miller paved the way for Stu Williams to score. Sheppard again converted allowing the Quins 14-7 half time lead.
Nanty opened the second half into the breeze and Bumford cut back the deficit with two penalty goals. Storming play from Alan Phillips and Steve Martin pressurised the visitors but strong defending from Rick Parfitt and Wanklyn turned the tide. Mark Sheppard then stretched the Quins lead with a penalty goal. Mike Parfitt twice made strong runs from the left wing and on the other flank Jamie Lean went close several times.
Nanty were not in any mood to surrender and when Bumford reduced the deficit to one point visiting nails were bitten to the quick. Dependable young full back Sheppard defended well and always had an eye for the counter. Ash Davies again put in a noteworthy performance at fly-half as did his late replacement Gareth Pugh.
Nanty had a last ditch chance to gain victory but a towering penalty from 45 metres sailed inches wide.
A strangely lethargic performance by the Quins pack in the opening half-hour negated the advantage of a strong breeze at their backs.
Allied to this was a poor handling exhibition by the backs. Bryncoch often appeared a yard faster than the home side and seldom looked in trouble in the early exchanges.
Fly half Gavin Jones was in commanding form for the visitors and together with the back-row trio of Edwards, Jenkins and Paul Jones dominated the first half.
Through all this the Quins still managed to mount sporadic attacks and good bursts by Paul Thomas, Neil Crocket and Rick Parfitt should have brought scores. Glaring defensive errors involving a mixture of miss-handling and charged down kicks resulted in Paul Jones sauntering over for a try close to the posts. Johnny Davies converted. This reverse stung the Quins and fierce forward play stormed the Bryncoch line after strong running from Mike and Ricky Parfitt. Gareth Rice gained possession 10 metres out and showed considerable strength fought his way over for a try that went unconverted.
The Quins appeared to be gaining a grip on the game when from a scrum close to half way fly- half Gavin Jones slipped through non-existent defenders to accept a gift try. Davies again converted.
Starting the second half into the wind the Quins pack raised their game and flanker Mark Davies was conspicuous in mounting several attacks. Lock, Darren Gibbs gained ascendancy in the lines out and as a whole the home side looked to be gaining a strangle hold on the game. Storming runs from Mark Davies allowed Mike Parfitt to be released and the winger needed no second bidding to cross for his fourteenth try of the season. This try went unconverted and the kicks proved to be the difference.
The Quins pack hammered the line but the tired Bryncoch held out bravely and in the end few spectators would argue with the result. Sponsor’s home player of the match was Darren Gibbs
Ammanford proved no match for the visiting Quins who ran out comfortable winners. Playing with a stiff breeze at their backs and down the considerable slope the Quins had to secure victory by the interval.
In the opening minutes Ammanford tried to set up an attack from deep in their own territory only to be thwarted by an interception by big lock, Stuart Williams who galloped over from 35 mtrs for an unconverted try.
Playing up the slope and into the wind the Quins scoring machine slowed somewhat and a little careless handling crept into their game. Stu Williams left the field temporarily to be replaced by big Gareth Capper who slotted in well. Gary Evans and Pugsley continued to cause problems for Ammanford and Mike Parfitt was unlucky to be recalled for a forward pass.
The Quins eight then applied a terrific stranglehold on the home pack that visibly wilted and as injuries occurred they had little answer to the power play of Thomas, Gibbs and Karl Robins.
From a lineout close to the home line Paul Thomas took a great throw from Paul Miller and the Quins eight with Diaz and Robins working hard, Stu Williams celebrated his return to the fray with his second try. The Quins centres had the last say when Evans slipped a pass to Pugsley who scored wide out for Sheppard to place a fine conversion.
In a friendly match played with spirit and adventure both sides, orchestrated by referee Jeff Wood, contributed to an entertaining encounter. Unusually Quins scrum-halves, Jamie Morgan and Marcus David shared the duties for both sides.
The Quins started the scoreboard ticking over when No.8 Darren Gibbs loped away from a scrum 40m out to set up a chance for Ash Davies to chip the defence and Gibbs gathered to score. Mark Sheppard converted.
Ystrad evened things up when pressure forced a relieving kick from the Quins to be charged down and John Evans won the race to score. Andrew Davies goaled from a wide angle, to even up the scores. Strong forward play with spectacular support skills resulted in a penalty close to the visitor’s line and big lock Stuart Williams crashed over. Sheppard converted.
Gibbs got in on the action again when a quick pick up at the base of the scrum put flanker Richard Wanklin away on a long run to take out the last defender for Jamie Lean to score.
Back row play was again in evidence when Rick Parfitt burst through and with support from centre Stuart Phillips, Wanklin touched down. Sheppard converted and also improved the next score which was a typical Rick Parfitt effort from 35m.
Starting the second half with the result beyond doubt Skipper and hooker put in an outrageous chip for left winger Phill Williams to dribble over and score. Sheppard converted to take the score to 40pts to 7. Ystrad never gave up and with borrowed Quins scrum half Jamie Morgan contributing well in attack and defence the visitors enjoyed some parity.
Mathew Owen grabbed a score which Davies converted.
Marcus David then donned the scrum half jersey for Ystrad and tore the Quins defence apart for a smart try, Davies again converted.
Power play up front saw big prop Neil Crocket burst through for replacement Billy Lavis to score. Sheppard added the points and it was left for Darren Gibbs to close the proceedings with a smart try.
With both teams locked on thirty points in joint fourth place this game was going to be fiercely competitive. Winning the toss the Quins chose to play into the strong wind and eventually reaped the benefit. The visitors attacked strongly in the opening minutes and the Quins defence underwent a severe examination. Good work from skipper Paul Miller, Gareth Rice and Richard Wanklyn took play into Alltwen territory. A penalty gave Tony Brock the opportunity to gain a line-out ten metres out. The towering presence of Paul Thomas secured the throw and superb mauling from the Quins eight saw Gareth Rice crash over. The swirling wind proved too difficult for Brock to add the conversion. From the restart the wind caused the Quins receivers problems and a penalty was goaled by Andrew Roberts. The visitors spurred on by the penalty swarmed to the attack and Jamie Morgan, Richard Wanklyn and Tony Brock all contributed to the cause of defence. A miss thrown line-out by Alltwen worked out well for them when No.8 Alun Charles galloped over in the corner despite the valiant efforts of Jamie Lean & Gareth Rice. As the visitors started to apply great pressure it was time for the home side to stand up and be counted. None stood taller than Ash Davies one of whose tackles stopped the powerful Nicky Stubbs in full flow.
Ash Davies recalled at fly half played with more confidence than on previous outings took advantage of a superb line-out win by the excellent Paul Thomas, to set off on a lateral run, centre Neil Pugsley came in at a devastating angle great support from flanker Wanklyn set winger, Mike Parfitt on the path for a remarkable try.
Alltwen again hit back straight from the kick-off and Roberts slotted another penalty to gain the lead. The Quins pack showed signs of gaining the ascendancy. Locks Darren Gibbs and Paul Thomas denied the visitors the ball and helped to negate the effects of the wind. The experiment of playing Karl Robins at loose head was an unqualified success and his scrimmaging was backed up by several charging runs.
Just one point down at the start of the second half and the wind at their backs observers expected an easy victory. Alltwen however had other ideas and took advantage of the Quins insistence on running the ball from deep in their own territory. A touch finding kick was the order of the day when the Quins threes were caught in possession and it was the turn of the Alltwen eight to show their mauling technique and No.8 crowned a good display by crossing for a deserved try. Another strong run from Stubbs was snuffed out by dependable full back Tony Brock and as the visiting eight slowly disintegrated under the pressure exhorted by the Quins the result looked a foregone conclusion. Alltwen however, stuck to their guns and made the Quins fight for every inch. Tries were almost registered by strong running wings Jamie Lean and Parfitt and strong bursts by Gary Evans probed the defence but time was running out and the Quins appeared nervy in their attempts to settle the account. A strong run from Karl Robins with support from Gibbs and Wanklyn gave Pugsley the opening to cross for the try to put the home side ahead. Brock mastered the wind with a great conversion. With replacements of the calibre of prop, Richard Diaz, lock Rob Jones and fly half Gareth Pugh the fate of the visitors was sealed Irresistible scrimmaging squeezed the resolve from the Alltwen pack as they folded under the inexorable pressure from the Quins eight who had the scent of victory in their nostrils. A succession of scrums left the visitors leaden footed and Rob Jones crashed over. Brock converted to make the game safe.
Match sponsors Cynffig Factors selected Neil Pugsley as man of the match.
There is little doubt that the Quins are at the top of their game and only a little more tactical awareness is needed for the team to become a formidable force capable of playing at higher levels.
The inability of Ammanford to field an experienced front row resulted in the use of passive scrimmaging. This proved an awkward concept for the Quins to grasp and they took a little while to settle down. Robbed of their powerful scrum the Quins backs took the game to the visitors with pace and power.
The forwards however had the first say in the scoring stakes when a well set maul initiated by Richard Wanklyn saw lock, Stuart Williams crash over from 10mtrs. Full Back Tony Brock failed the conversion attempt but slotted a penalty to stretch the lead.
Gareth Pugh at fly-half, put in a great tackle enabling the Quins pack to gain possession through Darren Gibbs & Dai Brennan, Jamie Morgan and Pugh set up the attack and Neil Pugsley fed Mike Parfitt who beat off would-be cover tacklers to score spectacularly.
The second half started with the Quins in blistering form but found difficulty in breaking down the visitors. Smart breaks by Gareth Pugh probed the visitors defence and he contributed significantly in defence.
Full Back Tony Brock also was a tower of strength and many visiting attacks foundered on his strong tackles. As the Ammanford resolve started to dissolve the Quins swept to the attack Back-row men Dai Brennan & Mark Davies continued a strong attack set up by Stewart Williams and it was Davies who cleverly fed Mike Parfitt who needed no second bidding to scamper over. Brock added the points
It was the outstanding Williams who set up the next score by bursting strongly for the line, great support from Darren Gibbs, Dai Brennan and the excellent Richard Wanklyn set up an unstoppable maul and loose-head prop Richard Diaz claimed the score. Running the ball from all parts the Quins served up some breathtaking rugby.
Gareth Pugh crowned an assured performance by harrying the Ammanford defence and aided by the back row was smartly fed by Mark Davies to touch down. Neil Pugsley rounded off a spectacular team performance when taking the final pass after the visiting defence were split by combined handling from forwards and backs.
Aberavon Quins ran out comfortable winners in their first ever league visit to Ystalafera. Although the score did not flatter the Quins it did little justice to the contribution the home side made to an attractive game.
With Ystalafera enjoying first use of the slope they took the game to the visitors with the front row of Lloyd, Arwel Williams and Prosser causing the Quins pack some problems. The inclusion of Jason Larkman at fly half for the Quins proved to be a major difference between the teams. Ten minutes into the game the Quins eight picked up the pace and superbly led by skipper, Paul Miller, with close support from flanker Richard Wanklin and No.8 Gareth Rice, drove play into the home half. Great quick ball from a ruck allowed Jamie Morgan to find Larkman with a crisp pass and the fly half delivered a ball of rare quality to put centre Neil Pugsley into an inviting gap, selling a sweet dummy to touch down under the bar. Full back Tony Brock converted. The Quins made light of the stiff breeze in their faces and produced some classy football. Youth Centre Daniel Phillips shone in attack and defence and had a hand in several sweeping moves. It was the home side who scored next and kerbed the Quins attacking mode. A penalty on half way allowed the home side to gain a lineout 10 m from the Quins line Good work by Paul Davies set up a maul and although the visitors stemmed the drive the ball was sped along the three quarters for Chris Roets to score a fine corner try. The kick failed.
The Quins were forced to defend for several minutes but slowly the front row of Richard Diaz, Paul Miller and Neil Crocket gained the upper hand in the scrums also Paul Thomas and Darren Gibbs were gaining advantage in the line out. Richard Wanklin continued in his rich vein of form and his tireless covering in attack and defence was rewarded with an excellent score after good work by Larkman and Phillips. Brock converted from a wide angle.
Playing with the wind and slope in the second half the Quins threatened to run riot. The pack gained the upper hand and superb mauling allowed Larkman to feed Phillips who timed his pass to perfection and Mike Parfitt needed no second bidding to cover the thirty metres to the corner. Brock failed with the conversion but his general play was faultless and was always on hand to make the final tackle.
Forced to open up the play from deep in their territory Ystalafera strove to get on terms but a crushing tackle by Phillips forced a turn over and it was Larkman who slipped the defensive cover to score. Ystalafera still had much to contribute and clever scrum half Phil; Thomas and Grafting No8 Paul Davies combined to set up several promising attacks. The Quins lost their way slightly and the home side deserved their try when Simon Donovan cleverly ghosted through the for once flimsy defence.
Karl Robins a replacement for tight head Neil Crocket joined the fray with great energy and was soon in the thick of things with a couple of crunching tackles. With time running out the Quins produced some remarkable rugby with Rob Jones ,Gibbs and Wanklin combining in irresistible fashion and when the attack seemed to founder on the rocks of the home defence, Karl Robins scattered would be tacklers to all points of the compass to smash his way over from the 22. The kick failed.
The final whistle blew when another sweeping move saw Larkman haring down the touchline to claim a score but was pulled back as his toes hit the whitewash
Two tries from evergreen winger Jamie Lean secured a double for the Quins over a well organised Skewen XV.
The home side started at a fast pace gaining great line out ball from the second row pairing of Paul Thomas and Rob Jones, who also contributed immensely to the Quins effort in open play. In the loose Skewen seemed to have little answer to the driving play of front row trio of Richard Diaz, Paul Miller and big Neil Crockett
Scrum half Jamie Morgan plied the ever improving youth product, Gareth Pugh, with ample good ball. The youngster varied his play well with intelligent kicking and distribution. Strong running centres, Richard Thomas and Neil Pugsley, slammed at the visitors’ defence and also brought full back, Tony Brock and wingers Mike Parfitt and Lean into play.
Skewen showed remarkable resilience in defence and proved the only eight to trouble the Quins scrum this season.
The Quins however swarmed to the attack and Gareth Rice appeared a little unfortunate not to be awarded a try. Gareth Pugh hit an upright with a penalty attempt and later found the target to ease the Quins into the lead. Almost on the half hour mark, after strong forward play initiated by the games outstanding back-row man, Richard Wanklin, Pugh unleashed the backs with some swift handling and a decisive incursion into the line by full back Tony Brock saw Lean finish in deadly fashion. Pugh narrowly missed the conversion, but his growing confidence boded well for the Quins.
Skewen managed their only trip to the Quins half and came away with a Richard Davies penalty goal
Wanklin was again at the heart of things with a charge down of an attempted clearance that set up a carbon copy try. With Brock entering the line and Lean crossing for his second try. Pugh goaled from a wide angle to put the home side 15-3 to the good and it looked bleak for Skewen at the interval.
Whatever the team talk was at half time it worked for Skewen. They ripped into the Quins with speed and power. Gaining more possession their speedy backs took their turn in attack and stretched the Quins defence to its limit. Half backs Morgan and Pugh never shirked a tackle and with flanker Mark Davies covering acres of ground Skewen were made to fight hard for any foothold in Quins territory. Richard Davies banged over two penalties to narrow the gap and with a quarter of an hour remaining Wayne Griffiths squeezed over in the corner, the kick failed but with the gap just one point the game was up for grabs. With a Skewen forward sin binned the Quins were able to take advantage and some great relieving kicks from Mike Parfitt and Tony Brock took play up field allowing Gareth Pugh to coolly slot the penalty that ensured his sides victory.
Despite late forays from Maddox, Bevan and outstanding loose head Mark Jones the Quins held out for a well deserved victory
Jamie Lean was the sponsor’s choice of player of the match.
Saturday 22nd January (Away)
After recent slipshod displays the Quins returned to form with a powerful display from their pack. Inspired by a top class performance from No.8, Rick Parfitt, the visiting forwards proved too strong for Glynneath. The home side however did not deserve to be whitewashed as they made the Quins fight for every inch of ground. Full back Richard Thomas set the tone with an early burst and eager running from Centre, Jamie Lean spread the home defence. Youth fly-half, Gareth Pugh started a little nervously but soon settled down and proved a tower of strength in defence.
Mike Parfitt combined with Lean to set up the position for the Quins first score and although foiled near the line, the pack swept the ensuing scrum over the line for Rick Parfitt to score. Pugh almost defied the conditions as he saw his conversion attempt hit the post. The Quins pack were in the ascendancy with Paul Thomas on top form in the lineout and with support from the game’s outstanding prop, Neil Crocket, it was inevitable that another score would come. The Quins pack, with Paul Miller and Richard Diaz at the centre of things tied in the opposition continually and strong running centre, Jamie Lean burst over for an unconverted try.
At the start of the second half, Glynneath playing into the wind hammered at the Quins defence for many minutes. Driven on by scrum half Felton and good play from Richard Noyle and Bignall play was taken to the Quins 5 metre line where Mike Parfitt intercepted what looked to be a scoring pass and sprinted away in fine style to touch down under the bar. Pugh converted. As conditions worsened it was understandable that handling became more of a lottery but to Glynneath’s credit they never shirked any situation and it was unfortunate that they conceded another try. Good work from Richard Wanklin, Mark Davies and Rob Jones took play again to the home line and although several attempts at a push over try were thwarted eventually it was Rick Parfitt set the seal on his own personal game with a second try
Saturday 11th December (Home)
In an entertaining, but sometimes malicious encounter, the Quins ran out winners in their first visit to Cwmgors.
Saturday 4th December (Home)
Despite being in control for almost an hour the Quins effort ebbed away and Seven ran out deserved winners. Quins swung into the attack from the kick off with Sheppard putting Murphy in possession and the big centre powered through the visitors defence. Although stopped. From a scrum Ash Davies passed Pugsley into a gap and Murphy was on hand to take a scoring pass. Sheppard converted. Quins forwards were doing a good job on the visitors scrum and Gibbs & Thomas dominated the line out. The Seven Sisters back row tackled tirelessly and although guilty of killing the ball did not get a yellow card. Ill discipline during the last attack of the first half gave the visitors a penalty. A good kick by Rees found touch close the Quins line. A great dash from Prop, Jones took play to the line and a good maul saw the ball speed along the backs for Lewis to make the break for fly half Rees to score. Lewis converted from a wide angle to make scores even at half time. The Quins eight stared the second half still dominating scrums but the visitors’ line out improved dramatically. Sheppard eased the Quins in front with a penalty. As the game progressed the mistakes crept more into the Quins play and smart work from K Lewis put full back Spud Lewis over for a try converted by K.Lewis He also added a late penalty to give the visitors a rare victory at Harlequin road.
Saturday 27th November (Away)
Although in control for long periods of the game due to forward supremacy the Quins never looked like grabbing a victory. Early dashes for the line from Rice & Jamie Morgan and a charge down by Ash Davies nearly brought scores for the visitors. A speculative boot up field by Brynamman caused the Quins defence some bother and failure to find touch gave Owain Jones and Tony Williams the chance to counter and aided by poor tackling saw Shaun Caddell sprint over Davies added the conversion. The Quins pack hit back strongly but very poor handling skills let them down. Strong work by Crockett and new signing Stuart Williams put the home side on the back foot and Diaz crashed over.
The Quins welcomed the Llynfi valley side for the first time since the advent of national leagues. Both sides endeavoured to put on a display of attractive open rugby, which was not often witnessed in past encounters.
Aberavon Harlequins Friendly's
Due to cancellations and the blank weekend of fixtures because of the international game vs. South Africa, the Quins played two friendlies against the two clubs that helped the Quins through the troubled times of last season,
It must be said however, without the assistance of the Aberavon Naval R.F.C. and Corus R.F.C., last season, the Quins would have been in deep trouble and the only winner of these games was Rugby Football in the town of
Saturday 16th October (Away)
Alltwen belied their lowly league position with a hard won victory over the Quins.
Early in the second half Davies added his third penalty and soon eased his team in front with a fourth. Although the Quins had the lion’s share of possession they were unable to make headway up the sloping pitch. Replacement Jamie Lean almost saved the day for the visitors with a long run only to be hauled down by Seamons. Alltwen strove hard to grab the try that would put the result beyond doubt but the Quins held firm with outstanding contributions from Jamie Morgan, Rice, Rob Jones and full back Anthony Brock. Two former skippers, Rick Parfitt & Tony Williams came on as late replacements but could not change the outcome.
Saturday 9nd October (Home)
Aberavon Harlequins 27 Ystalafera 26
There was a touch of déjà vu at
Saturday 2nd October (Away)
Skewen 26 Aberavon Quins 27
Aberavon Quins ripped up the form book by triumphing over a hitherto unbeaten Skewen and in doing so took their three year unbeaten home record.
Anyone present witnessed a game of rare quality and will relish the return match at the Quins in the New Year.
Saturday 25th September (Home)
Glynneath defended stubbornly and made the Quins pull out all the stops to pull off a victory. The experiment of playing winger Mike Parfitt in the centre did not quite work and when he was returned to the wing in the second half he made a huge impact... The Quins first half attacks were mainly around the scrimmage area and the visitors dealt with them comfortably. The bulk of possession secured by locks Rob Jones & Paul Thomas at the line out and strong scrimmaging from Diaz, Miller & Crockett ensured the Quins held the whip hand. But the only reward in the first half was two penalty goals from Ashley Davies.
Saturday 18th September (Away)
Team
Full back Darren Flynn Left wing Mike Parfitt
Centre Neil Pugsley
Centre Jamie Lean
Rt wing K.Handley (rep S.Murphy)
Fly Half Ashley Davies
Scrum Half Jamie Morgan
Loose head Richard Diaz
Hooker Paul Miller (Capt)
Tight head Neil Crockett (rep S.Ridd)
Lock Darren Gibbs
Lock Paul Thomas
Flanker Richard Wanklin
Flanker Mark Davies
No.8 Gareth Rice
Replacements: S.Ridd, S.Murphy |
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Saturday 11th September (Home)
Team
Full Back Jamie Lean
Right Wing Mike Parfitt
Centre Gary Evans
Centre Neil Pugsley
Left Wing Ken Handley
Fly Half Ashley Davies
Scrum Half Jamie Morgan
Loose Head Richard Diaz
Hooker Paul Miller (capt)
Tight Head Neil Crockett
Lock Rob Jones
Lock Darren Gibbs
Flanker Mark Davies
Flanker Richard Wanklin
No.8 Gareth Rice
Replacements used P. Thomas, D.Nicholas, P.Williams |
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Saturday 4th September (Away)