Match Reports  By Phillip Dacey
e-mail :- Phillip Dacey

Reports : 2002 / 2003  /  2003 / 2004  /  2004 / 2005 / 2005-2006 / 2008-2009


Season 2006 / 2007

Sat 5th May (Away)

Aberavon Harlequins 25 Skewen 03

After a seven try midweek dismantling by league champions Mumbles, where the only reward for great endeavour was a try by prop Richard Diaz goaled by Stuart Phillips, the Quins thwarted Skewen’s attempt of achieving the double.
The visitors started at pace and the Quins were made to defend stoutly in the opening quarter and none fared better than veteran utility player Darren Flynn at full back. Quin’s attempts to run the ball got nowhere in the early stages until a huge relieving kick by Marc Sheppard took play deep into Skewen territory. A knock-on at the line out gave the home side a scrum and fly-half Sheppard delivered a smart inside pass to blind side winger Jamie Lean who sprinted in under the cross bar. Sheppard converted. Skewen hit back with a Steve Winchcombe penalty.

From the restart, Neil Pugsley and Lean took advantage of indecision in the Skewen ranks and both combined to put flanker Richard Wanklyn in possession and the skipper galloped over allowing Sheppard to convert. The hard ground, warm conditions took it’s toll on both sides and the game became a typical end of season affair and the WRU must look into a situation that have amateur teams playing six games in three weeks at the end of a season whilst going without games during the six nations competition.
Sheppard added two second half penalties to take his season’s total to 230 points and a skilful combination between Lean and fellow winger Steve Cerruso saw the latter outstrip the defence to claim the Quins last try of the a season that saw them finish in a creditable fourth position. Traditionally after the last game of the season the supporters club present their ‘Player of the Year’ which was awarded to Flanker and Captain, Richard Wanklyn (Left). The supporters also made a presentation to back-row man Craig Cox ( Right)in recognition of his six try haul against Cwmgorse.  

Sat 28th April (Away)

Aberavon Harlequins 28 Cwmgorse 10

Due to the end of season fixture congestion the Quins made 11 changes from the midweek team defeated by Vardre and still ran out comfortable winners at Cwmgorse.
Marc Sheppard was again allowed to show is versatility by occupying the No.10 spot and was glad of the experienced Darren Flynn at scrum half.
Flynn laid down the challenge early on with some telling kicks against the blustery wind and also had an eye for the break around the scrum area. With the wind at their backs however it was Cwmgorse who stormed to the attack, eagerly pouncing on any loose ball Scrum half, Phil Thomas was in great form and was a constant thorn in the Quins flesh and it was he who opened the scoring rounding off a good three-quarter movement.
Heartened by this score Cwm swept to the attack and stout defending was called for and always to the fore was No.8 Darren Nicholas who put in some bone crushing tackles. Veteran lock Marcus Lovell was also enjoying the action and combined defensive work between him and busy hooker Glen Williams thwarted a home attack and winger, Steve Cerruso marked his debut with a touchline sprint for a 60 metre score. Sheppard narrowly missed the conversion put moved his side ahead with a penalty minutes later. It was then mostly defending for the Quins as Cwmgorse made use of the strong wind and Captain, Stuart Phillips marshalled his three-quarters well and Cerruso showed he was not just a runner by putting in some strong tackles
With the wind at their backs early in the second half the Quins threatened to run riot as winger Cadfan Edwards put in several telling runs. From a line out close to the Cwm line Karl Davies made a great take and Dan Owen fed fellow back row man Craig Cox who sped over in a well executed planned move around the front of the line out.

Sat 14th April (Home)

Aberavon Harlequins 41 Amman United17

Aberavon Quins ran out worthy winners despite a spirited second half performance from Amman.
The Quins pack laid the foundation for the victory and the visitors had no answer to the front row power displayed by home props Richard Diaz and Ben Baker. Hooker Glen Williams was also in good form and was eager to contribute in both attack and defence.
Skipper Richard Wanklyn’s contribution to the Quins forward effort is immeasurable and he is constantly a part of all things good in the Quins attack and defence.
The Quins hit top gear from the start and lock Rob Jones was at the head of a great forward drive that took play deep into the visitor’s territory, A line out take by Darren Gibbs enabled the Quins backs to open the United’s defence and a smart work by No. 8, Dan Owen enabled fly half Jason Larkman to find blind side winger Jamie Lean with a scoring pass, Larkman converted. On their first visit to Quins territory sparked by a run from Dean Williams, Rhys Thomas banged over a penalty for the visitors. Lean was in typically aggressive form and he and lock Rob Jones combined well only to be held up on the line. A great scrum resulted in a take against the put in and Lean skipped smartly over to stretch the home lead and minutes later he completed his hat trick after a spectacular break from Neil Pugsley aided by Larkman. Larkman converted and added a penalty. A rare excursion in to the Quins half by the sharp Amman backs resulted in a turn over after centre Pugsley brought off a strong tackle, winger Chris Jones latched on to the loose ball and sprinted in for Larkman to convert making the half time score 29-3.
Whatever was said to the visitors during the half time break certainly worked and a rejuvenated United took the play to the Quins and even though they were still outgunned up front for long periods in the second half looked the better side. Tries from Dean Williams and Ryan Williams were goaled by Rhys Thomas. A good combined move by backs and forwards saw No. 8 Dan Owen touch down in the corner and Larkman convert to stretch the home lead and he also improved Owen’s second try as the Quins eight drove the visitors pack over their line.

Sat 7th April (Away)

Aberavon Harlequins 15 Skewen 17

Aberavon Quins provided their supporters to an object lesson in how to lose a rugby match.
Early domination up front denied Skewen any worthwhile possession in the opening quarter. Strong running from full back Dan Phillips threatened the home defence and hard running wing Jamie Lean was bundled into touch just short of the line. Fly half Jason Larkman atoned for an early miss by easing the visitors in front with a straight penalty goal. Larkman then set up the first try with a quickly taken free kick and took a scoring pass from flanker Richard Wanklyn after forceful running from winger Chris Jones. Larkman converted from a wide angle to put the visitors ten points up in as many minutes. Worse was to come for Skewen as more smart work from the Quins backs with good running from Chris Jones saw Lean dive in at the corner.
Skewen were further disrupted when reduced to fourteen men due to two successive yellow cards and the Quins strove to gain another score that would make the game safe. Against the run of play however the score came as a gift at the other end. Quins defenders were found guilty of watching the ball roll slowly into touch in goal when Rhys James pounced to score. The score galvanised the home side into action and as the second half started they proceeded to gain the upper hand. Poor handling by the Quins aided the Tennant Park side and as they got their rolling maul in working order the Quins effort waned. Phil Hughes mauled his way over and in the dying minutes with Skewen well on top the Quins conceded a penalty try which Richard Davies converted to give his side a well deserved victory.

Sat 24th March (Home)

Aberavon Harlequins 20 Tondu 6

The Quins withstood an opening quarter of immense pressure by Tondu and the home defence was stretched to its limit. Sweeping attacks by the visitors threatened to swamp the Quins but the home side stood firm.
A great effort by the Quins eight slowly turned the tide and strong runs from prop Neil Crocket and flanker Richard Wanklyn drove play up field clever work from full back Dan Phillips saw winger Jamie lean just held on the line. Good re-cycling work gave fly half Gareth Pugh the chance to put in a weaving run for the opening try which he just failed to improve.
Pugh was in great form and controlled things well and eager support from his forwards spelt danger for Tondu. The visitors however proved that they could defend as well as the Quins and they did well to turn around at 5-0 despite some incisive runs from Quins centres, Neil Pugsley and James Owen
A penalty from Dean Thomas narrowed the gap but the Quins still held the ascendancy and when Marc Sheppard came off the bench he immediately made an impact with a typical strong burst. Wanklyn put in a great run and Jamie Lean powered over in the corner. For an unconverted try.
Thomas hit back with his second penalty for Tondu but by now the Quins were well on top.
 Scrum half Jamie Morgan was a continual thorn in the Tondu flesh and it was he who set up the next score by trapping his opposite number at the base of the scrum. Dan Owen secured the ball which was quickly fed along the line and winger Chris Jones dived in at the corner. Sheppard landed the wide angled conversion and rounded up the scoring with a long dropped goal. Tondu hit back late in the game with some good attacks that were thwarted by the combination of tenacious home defence and their own poor handling.
Above: Chris Jones dives over for a try.
Right : James Owen has a gallop.

Sat 17th Feb (Home)

The Quins ran out comfortable winners with a score line that suggested an easy victory. This was far from the truth as Brynaman defended tenaciously and each try the Quins scored was a result of skilful handling and very impressive support play. The Quins pack, with skipper Richard Wanklyn in fine form, always held the advantage over the visitors and allowed the home half back combination of Jamie Morgan and Gareth Pugh to dominate the proceedings. Pugh in particular was in peerless form especially with his line kicking. Second XV skipper Morgan in a rare outing for the firsts revelled in the conditions and was always on hand to floor would be attackers and also combined well with No.8 Dan Owen
It was a clever reverse pass by Morgan to flanker Richard Wanklyn created the opening that led to the first try when prop Neil Crockett put full back Marc Sheppard over in the corner. Sheppard missed the conversion but slotted three penalties in quick succession to put his side well on the road to victory. The second row combination of Nathan Lewis and Karl Davies dominated things up front and Craig Cox, Crocket and Richard Diaz gave eager support. Jamie Lean marked his return to the first XV with two strong runs which almost brought scores  
 Concentrated forward play with good handling skills between backs and forwards saw centre, Neil Pugsley cross just before half time and Sheppard converted to make it 21-0 at the break.

To their eternal credit Brynaman did not cave in and the Quins scores still were the result of hard work and good application.
Prop, Crocket was again involved in creating a try when he and Sheppard combined to put the full back over for his second try.
Blind side flanker, Craig Cox then capped a fine display with a try which Sheppard goaled. The Quins threw the ball about in fine style and hooker Glen Williams was a continual thorn in the visitors flesh with some telling runs.
Outstanding lock Karl Davies drove over strongly for Sheppard to improve and the fullback took his match haul to twenty seven points whilst converting the last try scored by Neil Pugsley.

Sat 27th Jan (Home)

Aberavon Harlequins 34 Kenfig Hill 10

Aberavon Quins ran out worthy winners against near neighbours Kenfig Hill.
The solid front row of Richard Diaz, Paul Miller & Ben Baker laid the solid foundation and Darren Gibbs was in great form. Eager support from Nathan Lewis & Kris Trolley gained quality possession for the eager Quins backs but their handling let them down on occasion
After early pressure from the Mules the Quins gained a foothold in the visitors half largely through the kicking of fly half Gareth Pugh and full back Marc Sheppard. It was Sheppard who opened the scoring with a wide angled penalty shot. No 8 Craig Cox helped set up the first try with a barnstorming touchline run allowing hooker Paul Miller to score. Smart interplay between the backs saw Centres Daniel Phillips and Neil Pugsley prize open the defence and both wingers, James Owen and Chris Jones figured strongly.
When called upon the Quins defended strongly and were always eager to counter from all areas and it was no surprise when a classy pass from Pugh put Pugsley in between the posts, Sheppard converted and with half time approaching it looked very bleak for the Mules. Determined work from Bater, Giles and Mark Jones brought the visitors more into the game and the Quins were fortunate that Jones missed three penalties well within his normal compass. Jones however put his team on the scoreboard with a corner try after some impressive mauling.

The Quins increased the pressure in the second half and although reduced to a seven man pack still managed shunt the Mules pack off several put ins. Marcus David always looked dangerous behind his pack and was always keen to probe the Mules defence
Phillips combined well with James Owen and play swept up field Pugsley was soon to waltz over for his second try. Sheppard converted.
From a line out 5 metres out a good take by Gibbs set up a maul and Richard Wanklyn fed Cox who dived over on the blind side.
It was the Mules turn to be reduced to a seven man pack after a yellow card and were forced to concede a penalty try which Sheppard goaled. The Mules to their credit never gave up and Mark Jones gained a second score in the closing stages.      

Sat 20th Jan (Away)

Aberavon Harlequins 14 Banwen 8

The Quins ground out a hard earned win against an uncompromising Banwen side that fought tenaciously against the visiting Quins. The Banwen eight started off with great endeavour and the Quins were soon called upon to defend stoutly. Veteran prop, Paul Elkins was well to the fore and strong support from Anthony Thomas and Simon Herdman ruffled the Quins feathers.  The Quins however weathered the early storm and Marc Sheppard eased the visitors in front with a penalty despite a difficult cross wind. Playing with the advantage of the slope the Quins controlled much of the first half but could not stretch the lead by half time.

Early in the second half Hughes levelled the scores with a penalty before the Quins eased ahead when back-row men Richard Wanklyn, Craig Cox & Daniel Owen combined well and support from winger Daniel Phillips saw Sheppard knife through to score.
Banwen fought back strongly and a powerful rolling maul gave a touchdown to scrum half Alan Davies. With the scores level the Quins pressed hard and Cox was unlucky to lose the ball over the line. Strong running from winger Chris Jones was a feature as was the stern tackling by midfield trio of Gareth Pugh, Neil Pugsley and James Owen.
The plaudits however must go to the Quins eight with the ever improving prop Ben Baker bolstering the front row and the dependable duo of Darren Gibbs and Nathan Lewis in the second row competing well in the lines out and also eager to do their share of ball carrying. The Quins appeared to have the edge in fitness but despite going close on several occasions could not add to the try count and it was left to Sheppard to ensure victory with two further penalties.   

Sat 23rd Dec (Away)

Aberavon Harlequins 11 Heol-Y-Cwe 13

Restored to almost full strength the Quins produced their best effort in recent weeks but just failed to register the win against League leaders Heol y Cyw

A strong scrummaging display from the Quins eight disrupted the home side’s pattern and loose head, Ben Baker made a considerable contribution. His scrum work looked strong and he also made some telling tackles. The lines-out were more evenly contested but the home backs squandered chances by kicking away possession. The Quins backs tried to make light of the boggy conditions and centre Neil Pugsley made some telling breaks and support from Dan Owen and Marcus David had the home defence at full stretch. The Quins fell behind to a penalty goal and were forced to defend for many minutes. Fly half Gareth Pugh was a tower of strength and also the back row of Owen, Lavis & Cox put in some sterling work. After smart line out combination between Darren Gibbs and Karl Davies the Quins eight drove over the line but were held up. With pressure building on the home defence Sheppard took advantage of a loose clearance and dropped a goal from 35 mtrs. Heol y Cyw hit back immediately when poor fielding of the restart led to a home penalty goal. Smart work by winger, Chris Jones who charged down and re-gathered and appeared to be heading for the try line but, a despairing ankle tap brought him down.

Early in the second half the home side eased into the lead with a converted try from a rolling maul. A further penalty stretched the home lead before Sheppard cut the deficit with a penalty. With twenty minutes to go the Quins chose to run several kickable penalties but the home defence was in no mood to give way and it was from a rolling maul in the dying moments that Marcus David touched down. Sheppard’s accurate conversion from the touchline just dipped under the bar

Sat 16th Dec (Away)

Aberavon Harlequins 12 Amman United 18

An injury ravaged Quins XV gave a good account of themselves but fell to a strongly scrummaging Amman.

With flankers, Richard Wanklyn and Billy Lavis playing on the wings and full back Marc Sheppard at fly half with winger Chris Jones at full back the Quins back line had a strange look about it.

The home side started brightly with the strong Graham Bundock a force at tight-head. Emergency full back, Chris Jones raised a cheer for the visitors with a strong run from full back but a swift counter from the home side was squandered by poor handling. The lines out were evenly contested and the Quins backs looked dangerous when in possession of good ball. Neil Pugsley and James Owen at centre caused the Amman defence some problems and Billy Lavis was unlucky to be held up over the line. Chris Jones ran strongly and also made a try saving tackle at the corner flag. As the home pack gained a strangle hold the Quins were forced to defend for long periods and did so with purpose denying the home backs time and again. Rhys Thomas eased the United into the lead with two penalties to make the half time score 6-0.

More strong scrummaging and rolling mauls had the Quins back pedalling and as is so often in modern times a rolling maul going down resulted in a yellow cards one either side of half time. This made the Quins position perilous and from a scrum five Amman drove over and scrum half, Ryan Williams touched down Thomas converted. Staring into the eyes of a heavy defeat the Quins defended well with Craig Cox and Dan Owen standing firm in the back row. Inevitably the seven man pack was forced into retreat and although defending stoutly at the corner flag, smart handling by the Amman backs swept the ball to the opposite flank and Steve James finished well.

With time running out replacements made enabled Lavis and Wanklyn to join the pack with immediate effect, Scrum Marcus David swept through the home defence and both Pugsley and James Owen found gaps and the latter strolled over for a try which Sheppard converted. Quins produced some great football and when Pugsley dived over in the corner to narrow the gap the home side looked leaden footed but despite a couple of promising attacks the final whistle thwarted the Quins.

Sat 18th Nov (Away)

Aberavon Harlequins 8 Tondu 13

The stop-start nature of the season due to the autumn internationals was a factor in both teams displaying a dis-jointed approach. The Quins could consider themselves unlucky to be consigned to defeat during the closing minutes when influential hooker was given a mysterious yellow card.

Dean Thomas eased the home side in front with a straight penalty after two misses from distance. Miller was on hand to snatch the lead for the Quins following good approach work from back row men Craig Cox and Dan Owen. Sheppard narrowly missed the conversion but stretched the Quins lead with a penalty goal. Good breaks from centre Neil Pugsley deserved to have brought scores but the Tondu defence stood firm.

 The Quins did not appear to have the rub of the green with some decisions and when the yellow carding occurred they were forced to defend heroically, particularly at the rolling maul. Dean Thomas narrowed the gap with his second penalty. Just as it seemed the Quins weathered the storm a swift passing movement saw Greg Dix take the lead with a try. Thomas converted with a great kick from the touchline. With a full complement in injury time the Quins hammered at the Tondu line but the home side held out to take the spoils

Sat 28th Oct (Home)

Aberavon Harlequins 10 Mumbles 22

The top of the table clash between unbeaten Mumbles and the Quins proved a hard slog in heavy conditions. Unquestionably Mumbles were the better side but the vagaries of the yellow card system had a bearing on the result. In the early stages the Mumbles pack looked the stronger and the Quins backs tried to open out the game with adventurous running from deep positions. The opening minutes saw the Quins taking the game to the visitors and strong running centres Neil Pugsley and Dai Anthony caused problems for the visitors. On their first venture into Quins territory Lee Davies eased Mumbles ahead with a penalty goal. Mumbles increased the intensity and with some astute kicks to the corners the Quins defence was stretched to the limit.

Despite good line out work from Darren Gibbs and rhys Andrews the pressure from Mumbles increased and the failure to find touch from defensive positions was to take a heavy toll on the Quins effort.

 Full back, Marc Sheppard levelled the scores with a straight penalty but the Mumbles eight developed a stranglehold on the game and when Darren Nicholas was yellow carded for collapsing a rolling maul the blues took full advantage. Tristan Arnold and Ben Wright crossed from rolling mauls and Lee Davies converted both with wide angled kicks. Mumbles played with more confidence and the Quins endured a hard afternoon of tackling. It was testament to the Quins fitness and tenacity that kept Mumbles at bay and some memorable tackles came from Nicholas, Pugsley and particularly fly half Gareth Pugh. Tristan Arnold stretched the Visitors lead with a corner try and as the game entered the final quarter the Quins hit back and the visitors were guilty of some cynical tactics that should have earned a yellow card some 10 minutes before it was waved in injury time. The seven man Mumbles pack were forced into conceding a penalty try which Sheppard converted.

Sat 21st Oct (Away)

Aberavon Harlequins 26 Brynaman 9

The Quins hammered out a victory to record their first victory at Brynaman in three league attempts. Playing into the wind and occasional driving rain. The Quins were eager to take the game to the home side. Very poor kicking from Brynaman squandered the opportunity of utilising the elements. Good early attacks were set up by flanker, Richard Wanklyn and full back Marc Sheppard. Strong running centres Dai Anthony and Neil Pugsley also had the home side scrambling in defence. The game sprang to life with a remarkable try from fly half Gareth Pugh who sliced through the defence from just inside his own half. Sheppard converted from the touchline and the Quins looked set to pile on the points. Top class ball winning in the mauls however kept Brynaman in the game and Gareth Davies cut the deficit with a penalty, Wayne Jones added two more but Sheppard kept the Quins ahead with another. The Quins set pieces were going well and locks Darren Gibbs and Daniel Owen were in superb form. Pugh again wriggled through the defence and his clever chip just bounced out of his reach at the try line. Just before half time a sweeping move by the Quins featuring flanker Mark Davies ended with a try at the posts for Daniel Owen. Sheppard converted.

The second half saw both defences on top but with the elements favouring them the Quins victory was never in doubt although their back play lacked fluency at times and it was Sheppard who slotted three more penalties to seal a hard earned victory.

Sat 14th Oct (Home)

Aberavon Harlequins 30 Nantyffyllon 8

The Quins returned to winning ways with a well earned victory against old adversaries, Nantyffyllon.

Playing into a stiff breeze the Quins swept to the attack and Nanty were penned in their half for long periods. Were it not for careless handling by the home side the game would have been won in the opening quarter. The return to action of wing forwards Richard Wanklyn and Mark Davies contributed much to their sides win with both eager to worry and pounce on any mistake in the Nantyffyllon defence. As often happens in rugby, Nanty raised the siege after 20 minutes and Lee Bumford put them ahead with a well struck penalty. In another rare excursion into Quins territory Ian Thomas crossed in the corner after well sustained pressure the conversion attempt was wide. Nantyffyllon were often guilty of failing to find touch whilst attempting to clear their line and Wanklyn and full back Marc Sheppard were always eager to counter. Fly half, Gareth Pugh jinked his way to the line but his pass was knocked on. Darren Gibbs was a tower of strength in the second row and easily controlled the line out. It was wayward kick by Nant that was fielded by Wanklyn and together with Sheppard play was again taken into the visitors 22. A quickly won ruck saw scrum half Marcus David wriggle along the touchline and an outrageous chip and chase from ten metres gave him the score. Marc Sheppard converted from a wide angle. To make the visitors 8-7 up at half time.

With the breeze at their backs the Quins did not delay in putting the result beyond doubt and although Nanty mounted several attacks the tackling of the mid field trio of Gareth Pugh, Neil Pugsley and Dai Anthony shattered any chance of further scores from Nantyffyllon. Hooker Paul Miller well supported by Andrew Price and Richard Diaz was a tower of strength.  The Quins kicking game was much improved from the defeat at Kenfig Hill and several occasions the speed of the support players forced errors in the Nanty defence. Sheppard eased the Quins in front with a straight penalty. Nanty were stung by this and enjoyed their only period of dominance. The defence of the Quins stood firm and veteran hooker Paul Miller raised the siege with a 30 metre gallop. Great harrying forced a scrum five for the Quins and No.8 Craig Cox fed scrum half Marcus David and centre Neil Pugsley forced his way over. Again Sheppard goaled from a wide angle. The full back then had a wide angled penalty miss but was awarded a re-take because the opposition had charged the kick and with no second bidding the full back slotted the re-take. The visitors swept to the attack in a final attempt to rescue the situation but stout defence kept them at bay and when the Quins countered Sheppard landed his third penalty and the icing on the cake was provided by Neil Pugsley who made a clean break and Mark Davies was on hand to take a scoring pass and inevitably Sheppard converted to take his season’s total past the hundred mark

Sat 7th Oct (Away)

Aberavon Harlequins 13 Kenfig Hill 20

It was business as usual for the Quins as once again they came away from Kenfig Hill without a victory.
A strong cross wind and the sloping pitch seemed to affect the Quins as their touch finding and kicking game was not of their normal standard. Ball retention in the tackle situation was also poor and too much turnover ball was conceded. Playing down the slope the Quins were eased in front with a Marc Sheppard penalty and lock forwards Darren Gibbs and Karl Davies kept the Quins in contention. Davies had a good dart along the touchline and two scrums five metres from the mule’s line should have brought scores. Mule’s forwards came more into the game and although the Quins eight defended well at the rolling maul the ball was sped across the backs and winger Dai Williams touched down in the corner. The kick failed.
Quins hit back immediately when scrum half Marcus David broke clean through and fly-half partner Gareth Pugh ran strongly in support and galloped over from 22 metres to retake the lead with an unconverted try. The mules hit back in spectacular fashion when a clever three-quarter move saw Andy Berrace dive over, Nick Giles converted to put his side 12-8 up at half time.  

 The second half saw the home side being more dominant at the scrums and the visitors were forced into errors by the constant pressure. Great defending by Paul Miller and Craig Cox in particular repelled Kenfig and good relieving kicks by Pugh put the Quins in a good attacking position. Gibbs set up a surging attack and hooker Paul Miller burst over for a score for an unconverted try. The Quins threw everything at the Mules in the closing minutes but came away empty handed.

Sat 30th Sept (Home)

Aberavon Harlequins 21 Pencoed 25

The Quins were bundled out of the Konica- Minolta Welsh cup in a bizarre and controversial fashion by a tough Pencoed outfit. With both sides unbeaten in their respective leagues this was always going to be a hard fought contest.
The Quins started in great style and forwards and backs combined well to spend most of the opening quarter in the Pencoed 22, the visitors proved resolute defenders however and when a home attack floundered they quickly turned defence into attack and stung the Quins with a corner try from busy flanker Gareth Chapman.
The Quins continued to hold the upper hand with hard scrummaging props Jon Agar and Richard Diaz proving a handful. Darren Gibbs and Karl Davies provided a steady supply of line out ball but the Quins backs found the going hard against the hard tackling visitors. It was left to full back Marc Sheppard to get the home score board ticking over with a 35m penalty and then to ease his team in front with another from similar distance. The Quins eight gained great heart from this and Richard Wanklyn and Craig Cox were a tower of strength. Some strong running from Sheppard and centre Neil Pugsley punched holes in the visitors’ defence and winger Cadfan Edwards was unlucky not to break free.
Just before half time concentrated pressure from the Quins eight drove the visitors back and from a ten metre scrum diminutive scrum half, Marcus David received from No.8 Cox and darted over in the corner to put his side 11-5 at the break.

The game continued in the same vein in the second half with the Quins backs trying to play an expansive game in the face of a strong defence. A penalty gave the visitors a line out close to the Quins line and burly prop, Chapman drove over and Morris converted to regain the lead.
Again the Quins returned to the attack and seemed to be well in control when a handling error enabled Morris to hack through and win the chase for the try.
Prop Jon Agar showed the Quins were in no mood to lay down and burst through several tackles in a 30 mtr sprint. Veteran Hooker Paul Miller was always in the thick of things and Sheppard cut the deficit with a 49 mtr penalty. With outstanding No.8 Craig Cox in great form the Quins eight drove up field again and in the dying minutes fly- half, Gareth Pugh although under pressure for much of the game showed his class with a high kick to the posts and aided by Jason Larkman captured the ball and a quick maul saw lock Karl Davies dart over unopposed. Sheppard converted to regain the lead. Well into injury time the Quins were awarded a penalty 35 metres out and as the kicking tee was brought on the Quins misunderstood the ref and thought the game was over and the ball was kicked to touch but to their consternation the ref played on and the ball went dead twice more before the visitors scrambled the ball up field for Morris to score the winning try to the disbelief of all.

 Meanwhile the development squad followed up their 29-12 win at Maesteg Celtic with a 62-5 demolition of the Royal Naval.

Jamie Lean recovered from injury lead the way with four tries allied to  two from Gary Evans and one each for James Owen, Glen Williams, Kris Trolley and Brian Stevens. Gavin Andrews converted six.

Sat 16th Sept (Away)
Aberavon Harlequins 17 Vadre 13

Over the years a visit to Vardre has always been a daunting prospect for the Quins. A rare victory was achieved last year but the Vardre took the Quins apart at Harlequin road in return.
Saturday’s game was controlled by the heavy home pack in the opening minutes. Terrier like scrum half Rosser kept his pack on the front foot but might have over did the box kick. Giant lock Glover and eager runner Richard Hills forced the Quins on the defensive. Living on scraps of possession the young Quins backs swept up the field at every opportunity. When a turnover ball was engineered by Vardre a great display of handling ended with Mathew Edwards scoring in the corner.
Darren Gibbs combined well with Hooker Paul Miller to gain good line out ball and the defensive abilities of Neil Pugsley and Dai Anthony were put to the test.
Several strong burst by Anthony and some skilful play from Jason Larkman looked promising but the home defence stood firm.
The Quins backs always looked dangerous but over eagerness let themselves down.
McFenton goaled a penalty to stretch the home lead.
The Quins were left deeper in the mire when a line out close to their line saw a well organised rolling maul resulted in a touch down for Adrian Humphries.
13-0 down, the young Quins pack just ran the Vardre pack ragged and when a powerful drive from tight head, Richard Diaz gained the Quins first points the visitors were lifted when Mark Sheppard converted.
The game continued in a ding dong battle and Sheppard narrowed the gap with a penalty and as the superior fitness of the Quins came to the fore, mercurial scrum half, Marcus David split the home defence and fly half Gareth Pugh waltzed over beneath the posts for the inevitable conversion by Sheppard.

 In a district league game between Tonmawr II and the Quins development squad, the Quins ran out winners by 12 points to nil.
The very strong Ton pack hammered the Quins at the start but it was the unflinching defence of the home side that won through.
Tries from Stuart Henderson and James |Owen, with a conversion from Gavin Andrews gained a good win.

Sat 9th Sept (Home)

Aberavon Harlequins 77 Old Penarthians 0 (Cup)

Unfortunately, by the very nature of the Konica Welsh Cup, miss matches occur and this was one of those occasions. The Quins forwards laid the foundation of the victory by supplying a huge amount of quality ball for the eager young Quins back line to exploit.
The leadership displayed by Quins flanker and skipper, Richard Wanklyn ran through the Quins effort and immediately full back Marc Sheppard was given the opportunity to ease his side in front with, for him, a simple penalty. Unaccountably he missed but the sure footed full back never missed another. Powerful inside centre Dai Anthony was a continual thorn in the defence of the luckless Penarthians and his half break set Stuart Phillips free on the left flank and when he was held up the forwards continued the attack and Neil Pugsley crossed in the right hand corner. Sheppard converted.

Great sweeping movements stretched the visitors defence and scrum half Marcus David waltzed over, Sheppard converted.
Another powerful run by Dai Anthony stretched the Old Pen defence and skipper Richard Wanklyn touched down for Sheppard to convert.
Quins forwards ran rampant and prop Jon Agar was very prominent and fly half Gareth Pugh showed pace and strength to score for Sheppard to convert. The Quins were on top in all phases of the game and Darren Gibbs was in imperious form in the line out, ably abetted by Gareth Capper.
Full back Sheppard set up a strong counter attack and carried on by Wanklyn saw blind side flanker, Craig Cox score. Inevitably Sheppard converted. The visitors then enjoyed a period of dominance for ten minutes near the home line but the defence stood firm and when Old Pen lost possession Gareth Pugh grabbed the chance to counter and Sheppard crossed and converted to put the Quins 42-0 up at half time.
The Old Penarthians kick off to start the second half was fielded by Wanklyn and carried on by Cox and Wanklyn finished by touching down beneath the bar. Sheppard converted.
As the visitors effort waned Neil Pugsley galloped over for Sheppard to convert and he also improved tries by Jason Larkman , Gareth Pugh and himself, in so doing made the final score 77-0, with a personal tally of 32 points.

Sat 2nd Sept (Home)

Aberavon Harlequins 46 Bryncoch 5

Aberavon Quins started the new season in good form against a plucky Bryncoch XV. Newly elected captain, Richard Wanklyn led his side well from the flanks of the scrum and solid support from locks, Karl Davies and Darren Gibbs soon had the home side in the ascendancy. Youth product at loose head prop, Jon Agar settled into the scrummaging comfortably and was always a busy worker around the field. Good application by the forwards pressurised the visitors defence and Agar and winger Jason Larkman combined well enabling scrum half, Marcus David to score close to the corner flag. Full back Marc Sheppard mastered the tricky cross wind to slot the conversion. Strong work from the home pack drove play close to the Bryncoch line and lock, Karl Davies dabbed down. Sheppard again goaled from a wide angle.
Hooker Paul Miller threw with pinpoint accuracy and Karl Davies and Darren Gibbs dominated the lines out. Gibbs being particularly successful on the opposition throws.
A good combined move between fly half Gareth Pugh and Larkman gained a position in Bryncoch territory and Sheppard slammed in a penalty.
The Quins then were guilty of a little over confidence in attempting a run from defence and Chris Aplin showed good opportunism to hack on and win a chase for the touchdown.
Early in the second half Skipper Wanklyn crowned a good display by taking advantage of a loose ball around a maul and galloped over unopposed. Sheppard converted. The Quins eight were now dominant in all departments and tight head Richard Diaz was a tower of strength.
When Diaz left the field the visitors eight gained in confidence and enjoyed their best period and the Quins defence although sorely stretched stood firm.
A monstrous relieving kick by Sheppard was turned into an attacking manoeuvre when the full back followed up fifty metres and dived to charge down the attempted return kick. The eager Quins swarmed in and centre Dai Anthony sidestepped would be tacklers to score.
Due to injury Diaz returned to steady the home scrum and Mark Davies and Neil Pugsley both put in telling runs and workmanlike no.8 Daniel Owen was never off the pace. Fly half, Gareth Pugh waltzed over beneath the crossbar for Sheppard to improve and the young full back also goaled a try from veteran hooker Paul Miller.

ABERAVON HARLEQUINS RUGBY CLUB - HARLEQUIN ROAD,PORT TALBOT, SOUTH WALES, UK | SITE BY KEVIN CASEY