Match Reports
By
Phillip Dacey
e-mail :- Phillip Dacey
Reports : 2002
/ 03 / 2003
/ 04 / 2004
/ 05 / 2005-2006 / 2006-2007 / 2008-2009
Season 2007 / 2008
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Sat 3rd May (Home)
Playing with a very strong wind at their backs the Quins were made to fight tooth and nail for every inch of ground by the plucky visitors. It was a scything run by Mike Parfitt that set up the first Quins try and supporting No.8 Dan Owen scored wide out. Mercurial scrum half, Marcus David was a continual and considerable thorn in the flesh of the visitors and his blind side dart gave winger Mike Parfitt the easiest of touch downs, No.8 Dan Owen instigated an attack after the Quins pack demolished a Seven scrum resulting in Rick Parfitt galloping in from 30 metres. The visitors were under tremendous pressure in the scrums where props, Lloyd Hayden and Richard Diaz dominated. Hooker and skipper, Paul Miller was also in top form as the opposing eight were ground down.. With the need to score as many tries as possible in order to reach the promotional play off it was felt that three tries with the strong wind at their backs would not suffice. Into the wind however the Quins produced some vintage rugby football. Full back Gareth Pugh opened the floodgates with an electrifying burst from deep in his own half to score. Marc Sheppard converted. Pugh, in collusion with centre Dai Anthony again ripped the Seven defence apart and Mike Parfitt finished in fine style. Sheppard again converted. Flanker Bill Lavis then scattered would be defenders asunder and Marcus David took a scoring pass. Sheppard converted. Sheppard then split the defence as he walked over beneath the bar and had no bother with the conversion. Marcus David then waltzed over and converted . Neil Pugsley then got in on the act with two tries one of which was started in his own 22. In the dying moments Mike Parfitt completed his hat trick and Sheppard took his conversion tally to five before Francis claimed a consolation score for Seven Sisters and Kevin Lewis converted. After the game Craig Cox was awarded the Supporters Club player of the year trophy The play off will be against Gilfach Goch at Beddau RFC Saturday next.
Wed 29th April (Home) Aberavon RFC kindly allowed the Quins the use of the Talbot Athletic Ground due the waterlogged condition of the Harlequin Road Ground. The Quins started rather shakily but soon were to display the power of their pack in the set scrums. In search of a bonus point win the Quins appeared more intent in obtaining the four tries before securing the victory. A strong run from Steve Colarusso gained a scrum position close in and No.8, Daniel Owen opened the scoring with a try from the base of the scrum. Sheppard struck an upright with the conversion attempt but later improved a try from scrum half James Peplow-Williams, following another close in scrum, to put the Quins 12 -0 up after twenty minutes. Banwen struck back hard and pluckily took the game to the home side and the Quins were shaken out of their stride by a Dan Morgan try converted by Phil Evans. Evans missed the chance to snatch the lead with two long range penalties. The second half started with Banwen tearing into the Quins who were forced into conceding penalties. Some fine kicking by fly –half, McSweeney and full-back, Sheppard turned the tide and the redoubtable Quins front five spearheaded by props Lloyd Haydn and Richard Diaz bulldozed the tiring Banwen pack towards their line and Dan Owen scrambled over for his second try. Sheppard converted. More Quins power play saw flanker Billy Lavis storm over for the all important bonus point try. The Quins visible relaxed and threw the ball around in an effort to raise their try count and replacement scrum half Marcus David jinked through the Banwen defenders to score a smart try. Sheppard converted. Banwen deservedly had the last word when James Parry intercepted from deep in his 22 and sprinted over for a dramatic score. Evans converted.
Sat 26th April (Away)
With the slope in their favour the Mules threw everything at the visitors but the Quins defended stoutly against a succession of 5 metre scrums before No.8 Daniel Owen raised the siege with a strong thirty metre burst. Winger Steve Colarusso was just held up short but as the Quins pack arrived in full support Jamie Lean scampered over for Sheppard to convert. Smart line-out work between Gibbs and Owen saw the No.8 gain the bonus point with a well worked ploy. Colarusso conclude the proceedings with a late score for the Quins
Wed 23rd April (Away)
The second half started off in farcical conditions when after eight minutes the referee’s attention was brought to the fact that Banwen had fifteen players on the field. The Quins, from a slow start expanded their approach and made full use of the slope. Right winger Jamie Lean came on an inside run to devastating effect and centre Neil Pugsley finished in style. Sheppard converted. Flanker, Anthony Williams put in a strong run along the touchline but was denied the touchdown. Williams was forced to leave the field and was replaced by Billy Lavis. Lavis showed that he had fully recovered from the injury that had kept him side-lined since the autumn by crashing away from a line out to put Peplow-Williams over for his second try which Sheppard improved. A run from Pugsley set up a chance for Lean who finished in style ensuring a bonus point for the visitors. A classic line out move from close quarters instigated by Gibbs ended with No.8, Dan Owen powering over. The Quins sixth try came when Pugsley and Lean combined to shred the home defence and Steve Colarusso dived in at the corner.
Sat 19th April (Home) Aberavon Harlequins 64 Vardre 3 Vardre were consigned to Division four next season by rampant and ruthless Quins.
17-3 up at the start of the second half and the wind at their backs the Quins swarmed to the attack. Full back, Gareth Pugh was in devastating form and ran strongly at every opportunity to open the floodgates. He quickly grabbed a hat-trick and Mike Parfitt added his second before Neil Pugsley crossed. Colarusso completed his hat trick with two late spectacular efforts. In all nine tries were scored with a penalty and eight conversions from Sheppard. Ricky Parfitt was nominated as Sponsor’s Man of the Match.
Wed 16th April (Away) Although holding a huge territorial advantage in the first half Aberavon were made to fight all the way. Fly half Marc Sheppard eased the visitors in front with a penalty and a dropped goal. Towards the end of the half the home side broke the stranglehold and scored a superb breakaway converted try. Due to injuries and the early evening kick off time Aberavon Quins side had a strange look about it. Lock Darren Gibbs had to step back to No.8 and hooker Glen Williams was transformed into a flanker. Veteran centre Gary Evans stepped in as centre and Andrew Price was recalled at prop. Indiscipline or the interpretation of the ref cost the visitors dear but it was through the boot of Sheppard that they regained the lead through his second conversion. The Aberavon pack were the stronger in most phases but struggled on occasion in the lines out. Hooker, Paul Miller, winger Jamie Lean and Lock Karl Davies were unlucky not to be awarded touchdowns. Gary Evans showed he had not lost the art of taking scoring chances when he juggled but clung on to a deft Sheppard grubber to dab down under the bar. Sheppard converted and soon added a second dropped goal and despite a late Maesteg flurry which saw them grab two more penalties, the visitors ran out deserved but nervous winners.
Sat 12th April (Home) Despite starting the game without star forwards, Richard Wanklyn, Billy Lavis and Darren Gibbs and losing influential flankers and leading try-scorers Craig Cox and Chris Jones during the game the Quins eight demolished the hopes of league leaders BP. The game was played at a furious pace and it must be said that many questionable tactics were used and both sides were fortunate that only three yellow cards were shown. With a stiff breeze at their backs BP swarmed to the attack and the Quins were hard pressed in defence but slowly the visitors were rolled back and the Quins threatened but a delicate chip by centre Neil Pugsley was plucked from the air by former Quins flanker, James McKenna who fed Darren Fender who sprinted 70 metres to score. Simon Thorne converted. This set-back did not put the Quins out of step and as the game progressed it was clear that the BP pack did not deserve to be sitting on top of the league and were guilty of some nefarious tactics. Marc Sheppard was in superb form at No.10 and soon got the Quins on the scoreboard with a penalty. Full back Gareth Pugh took a hand in things with a devastating break from his own half and gave winger a ‘one on one ‘situation which the veteran finisher handled with ease. Sheppard converted to give the home side a lead that they would not relinquish, The Quins pack were in fearsome form with skipper Paul Miller eager to lead his men into the awesome battle up front. Props Lloyd Hayden and Richard Diaz were imperious and with senior citizen locks Rob Jones and Karl Davies putting in positive contributions the home pack always had the edge. Long serving scrum half, Jamie Morgan had one of his best games for the Quins and the harder it got the better he enjoyed it but, plaudits must also be given to hard tackling centres, Neil Pugsley and James Owen who scythed down any would-be attempt by BP to open up the play and it was Owen who earned the sponsors’ man of the match award.. The forward battle continued to dominate the affair until fly-half Sheppard scorched through for an individual try of rare quality. He easily converted and BP looked well beaten at the half time break even though the score was 17 -7 Despite losing Cox, with a broken arm, the Quins were fortunate to have Rhys Andrews on the bench and the former youth product, after a sojourn with Cwmavon, was not slow in showing what he was made of... Chris Jones at open side was a continual thorn in the flesh of the visitors but his season came to an end as a result of a dislocated shoulder Early in the second half BP had a few moments of dominance which faded away after a Simon Thorne penalty. Sheppard was in great form with the boot and he raised his match total to eighteen with two long range penalties. And as the forwards slugged it out there was always the Quins backs eager to run the ball and wingers Lean and Steve Colarusso were in top form attacking and defending The game ended with BP at full stretch as Quins No.8 Dan Owen and replacement Glen Williams hammering at the BP line and Sheppard hitting the upright from way out. The game ended a recent run of wins for the Quins against the teams positioned one, two and three in the league.
Sat 5th April (Home) Aberavon Quins won convincingly against second placed Nantyffyllon which followed their home defeat of third placed Tondu in their last outing.
With the wind at their backs the Quins looked favourites to create a big score but Nanty hit hard early in the half. The inclusion of Mark Harris and Craig Walker in the visitors’ pack paid dividends and strong mauling. Harris showed superb mauling technique and the Quins were thrust on to the back foot and the visiting pack at last seem to get to grips with the Quins eight and a concerted effort allowed Bumford to release his backs and centre Adrian Lewis scored a fine try. Bumford narrowed the gap with his second penalty. A mighty penalty out of defence by Pugh gave the Quins an attacking line out and Gibbs took well and support fromRob Jones, Cox and Dan Owen gave Paul Miller a touchdown. Neil Pugsley then made the result safe with a scorching midfield break which was supported well as the ball appeared to pass through every player's hands for Steve Colarusso to score close to the touchline. Sheppard converted via an upright but it was Nanty who had the last say when their second try was scored by Craig Walker.
Sat 22nd March (Home) The Quins ran out deserved winners from a wind swept Harlequin Road and in so doing dented Tondu’s promotion hopes. Playing into the teeth of a strong wind, the Quins pack held sway particularly in the scrums, where the front row trio of Lloyd Haydn, Paul Miller and Richard Diaz must lay claim to being the strongest in the league. Allied to the forward effort was the no nonsense defence displayed by the backs who nullified the strong looking but ponderous Tondu centres. No.8 Dan Owen was in great form and the ruthless tackling from blind side Craig Cox and the speed around the field of open side Chris Jones foiled many attempts to mount worthwhile attacks by the visitors. Veteran locks, Rob Jones and Marcus Lovell also played a major part in the subduing of the Tondu eight and when the half time break was reached the Quins found themselves just three points behind from a lone Russ Cunningham penalty goal.
Sat 1st March (Away) Aberavon Quins got back to winning ways against relegation haunted Briton Ferry. The Quins pack with the front row of Lloyd Hayden, Paul Miller and Richard Diaz, in dominant form was always in control. The experiment of playing winger, Chris Jones at flanker appeared to be a great success and well worth further moves in that direction.
Playing with the advantage of the wind in the second half a Quins win looked safe and when Sheppard belted over a dropped goal from 40 mtrs there was no coming back for the Ferry. Although they defended stoutly Ferry had little chance to shine behind and despite neat work from Gavin Puckett and Fly-half Jones there was always the Quins flanker Chris Jones bringing off tackle after tackle. It was a good win for the visitors but withthe dominance of the forwards a bonus point chance was missed .
Aberavon Quins contrived to put in their worst performance of the season against a Tonna team that the Quins had beaten in October.
Big number 8 Andy Probert increased the Tonna lead with a long range penalty and the result was all but made safe when Gareth John finished off a fine movement involving forwards and backs. Miller converted and soon added a dropped goal after sustained pressure. With the game all but lost the introduction of veteran scrum half Jamie Morgan appeared to fire up the home side and he instigated a few fiery runs from back row men Craig Cox and Dan Owen and even though Owen though Owen touched down it was all too late except that Sheppard converted to earn a bonus point that was scarcely deserved
Sat 26th Jan (Home) The Quins fought hard in this cup encounter and the home pack stood up well against the front runners in division one east. It was behind that Blackwood held all the aces with winger Owain Williams providing a match winning display.
The second half started with the Quins eight ripping into the men of Gwent and Sheppard narrowed the gap with a penalty from 40 meters. From the restart however giant winger Owain Williams stole the ball from would be catchers and took the play to the Quins line, flanker Leigh Taylor was on hand and to slip a return pass to Williams who scored. Emmanuelli converted from a wide angle. With a gap opening the visitors visibly relaxed and entertained the supporters with a dazzling display of handling and running making a mockery of the bog like conditions. Centre Dave James then split the home defence and despite strong tackles from Pugh and Chris Jones he took a return pass to score. Home winger Chris Jones was the pick of the Quins backs always eager to take the game to the opposition and time and time again his tackles brought applause from the home supporters. The Quins effort waned in the last quarter and did not deserve the score line but inevitably the score mounted as Williams added his second try. Emanuelli converted and also improved a try by replacement winger Greg Davies. Veteran flanker, Rick Parfitt well deserved the award of home player of the match by the Sponsors Baglan Builders
Sat 12th Jan (Home) Skewen were full value for a rare victory at Harlequin Road grabbing two tries from close quarters. The visitors started brightly and the Quins were forced to defend desperately in the opening minutes. After conceding a 5mtr scrum however the Quins eight did well in the tight and some astute kicking took play into Skewen territory. A dazzling run by winger Steve Colarusso almost brought a score but minutes later fly half, Marc Sheppard eased the home side in front with a penalty from 40 meters. The Quins started the second half brightly but several promising chances were squandered by poor ball handling. Fly half Davies was always on hand to clear his line with lengthy touch finders and No.8 Scott Jeremy was outstanding for the visitors.
The Quins made a mockery of the deplorable conditions whilst providing a scintillating display of handling skills. As always the battle up front has to be won and the front row trio of Richard Diaz, Paul Miller and Lloyd Haydn ensured the backs a good supply of ball from the scrums. Darren Gibbs and Rob Jones were at their best in the line out and the half backs, James Peplow-Williams and Marc Sheppard were in commanding form. The second half proved marginally difficult for the seven man Quins pack but they still remained dominant for most of the half. Rick Parfitt took advantage of poor line out work from the Mules to dive over unmolestedSheppard extended the lead with a penalty goal before the Mules mounted a rare attack and sterling work by their forwards saw Thomas Maund gain a touchdown which Mark Jones converted. Sponsor’s ‘Man of the Match’ was flanker Craig Cox.
The Quins pack paved the way for a clear victory but the visitor’s failed to secure what should have been an easy bonus point Vardre started brightly and pressed hard for an early score but their pack soon found it tough going and were rolled back up field. No.8, Gareth Moore having his first start for the senior XV, put in some telling bursts from the scrimmage centre Dai Anthony also contributed a few dashes through the middle. Lengthy line kicking from fly half Marc Sheppard and strong running from full back Gareth Pugh turned the screw and when Moore put in another strong run deep into home territory the ball was quickly recycled along the three-quarter line and Centre Neil Pugsley knifed through to score. Sheppard converted. Vardre responded well and the Quins were forced to concede a penalty which Steve Jones stroked over. The Quins eight then really stamped their authority and huge scrimmaging drives at the line failed to convince the ref to award either touchdown or penalty tries. It was a poor return for the efforts of the front row trio of Diaz, Miller and Price Although the Quins line-out did function as well as it could there were still some good wins by Kris Trolley and Rob Jones. Karl Davies was his usual self under any kick outs and contributed much in the loose Eventually the Vardre eight disintegrated on their own put in and flanker Craig Cox had the easiest of scores. Sheppard converted for a 14-3 lead at the break. The second started much as the first with Vardre taking the game to the Quins and home centre, Jordan Williams produced the matches best run when he galloped 50metres from a tapped penalty and winger Paul Williams was on hand to score when his namesake was held on the line. The gap was narrowed with a home penalty from Martin Joseph The Quins hit back and Sheppard stretched the lead with a penalty. Good running from wingers Steve Colarusso and Chris Jones stretched the home defence but it was Dai Anthony who capped a good display by carving his way through would-be tacklers to set up a ruck in front of the posts and a swift pass from James Peplow-Williams combined with slick handling and smart play from Pugh gave Chris Jones a half chance which he took well. As the Quins pressed for the bonus try the Vardre defence stood firm
In a keenly fought third round cup tie the Quins always held the upper hand mainly through the dominance of their pack. The front row of Lloyd Hayden, Paul Miller and Richard Diaz proved too much for their opponents and with Darren Gibbs and Karl Davies in their usual form at the line out the visitors were forced to defend for long periods. The Quins swarmed to the attack from the start when the Gwernyfed pack failed to take the kick off. Scrum-half James Peplow-Williams and flanker Richard Wanklyn were unlucky not to be awarded tries. Fly half, Marc Sheppard eased the Quins in front with two early penalties. Sheppard then combined well with winger Steve Colarusso and skipper Wanklyn just failed to make the line. The Quins stretched their lead when strong running centre, James Owen ripped through the visitors’ defence to put winger Chris Jones over in the corner. Sheppard increased his tally with a third penalty goal. Poor out of hand kicking by the Quins let Gwernyfed into the game and Skyrma brought his side back into contention with two penalties. The Quins continued to dominate in the second half and some very strong forward play had the visitors on the back foot and strong running from centres Neil Pugsley and James Owen with support from full back Gareth Pugh threatened the Gwernyfed line. A smart move straight from the training ground saw Sheppard hold up a pass until Pugsley ran at an un-stoppable angle to cross the line with ease. Sheppard converted and minutes later rewarded his pack’s valiant work, with a 35 mtr dropped goal. The Quins eight were in commanding form and Craig Cox and Daniel Owen instigated several drives which had the visitors reeling With the tie all but lost Gwernyfed threw caution to the winds and mounted several promising attacks and the Quins defence came under severe scrutiny and none fared better than Chris Jones who could chalk up at least three try-saving tackles. The visitors were rewarded for their efforts when flanker Steve Harley crashed over in the closing minutes. James Owen was awarded Sponsor’s Man of the Match. So as the Quins can enjoy the Xmas break before a visit to Vardre on the 29th of December they look forward to a plum draw in the next round.
In the worst conditions imaginable which offered the question whether the game should have been played at all? In fairness to Nantyffyllon they ran out deserved winners through adapting to the conditions. The game opening coincided with a huge hailstorm and it became obvious a forward slog was going to be the name of the game. THE Quins pack was in great form from the start and locks, Darren Gibbs and Rob Jones soon were supplying good lineout ball and the set scrums were also dominated by the visitors. In the conditions however it soon became apparent that the team with the possession was most likely to make the errors. Some probing runs from winger Steve Colarusso and scrum half Jamie Morgan gave the Quins some chances that were thwarted as much by the quagmire as the brave home defence. With a strong wind at their backs the Quins kicked poorly and their desire to run the ball cost them dear. Marc Sheppard eased the visitors in front with a penalty goal to put his side 3-0 up at half time. Nanty swarmed to the attack in the second half and fly half Lee Bumford put in a 5 star kicking performance. Three Nantyffyllon scrums five metres out were wrecked by the Quins eight and when the roles were reversed a shock heel against the Quins put in saw Ian Beech swoop in at the corner flag. Bumford missed the conversion but then spurred on his pack with some astute and varied kicking. The Quins effort waned in the last quarter and despite some determined dashes from centres Dai Anthony and James Owen, Nanty’s grip on the game tightened. The Quins, forced into trying to salvage the game by running from deep positions were caught in the swampy conditions and it was Bumford who had the last word by charging down an attempted clearance to score
The Quins progressed through to the next round of the Konica Minolta WRU Cup by comfortably defeating The Gwent visitors. The Quins eight started strongly and the Rhymney scrum was under pressure from the opening whistle. Props, Andrew Price and Richard Diaz were stern scrummagers but it was veteran hooker Paul Miller who caught the eye with some great bustling play in the opening quarter. Turning with the wind at their backs in the second half the Quins strove to make their position unassailable.
Due to the inability of Banwen to field a side against the Quins, attention was focussed on the shadow XV game against Taibach. Although boosted by the inclusion of three Quins first squad players, the visitors were swept away by a team melded of experience and youth. The home pack boosted by the presence of Lloyd Haydn, Rick Parfitt and Andrew Dacey was just too strong for the plucky tigers and Parfitt, in particular was in fine form. Strong running winger, John Gardner gave the coaches food for thought when he grabbed a spectacular hat-trick and inspirational full back, Phil Williams ran in two, one of which started from under his own posts.No.8 Scott Roberts also grabbed a brace and other touchdowns came from Rick Parfitt, Mike Parfitt, Karl Davies, James Williams and James Owen. Williams and Cadfan Edwards shared the eight conversions.
Tondu deservedly swept the Quins from the top of Division Three South West with a convincing display. The Quins had parity up front and it could be argued that they had the edge in that department. Behind though, despite the sterling efforts of scrum half Marcus David and inside centre Dai Anthony, they sometimes appeared lethargic. Tondu started the encounter at a rate of knots and the Quins defenders were spread far and wide. Scrum half Sam Rees was a real controller of things and full back Dean Thomas was also in imperious form. Within ten minutes the Quins were twelve points down by reason of good attacking approach by the home side and unusually slack defence from the visitors. Rob Smithson grabbed the first score and Dean Thomas converted. Craig Fox soon added another ending a spectacular movement. The Quins eight were stung into action provided good ball for Marcus David. Good support from flanker, Richard Wanklyn pressurised Tondu and when Craig Cox dived over from a front of the line out peel, the Quins gained in confidence. Marc Sheppard slotted a penalty to close the gap.
The Quins were given an almighty scare by Briton Ferry and the home side were left deservedly behind by twelve points to three at the break. A strong second half performance however brought home the victory with the added bonus point. The Quins started with great endeavour and soon nosed into the lead through a Marc Sheppard penalty goal. Heroic defence by the Ferry kept the Quins at bay and when the visitors took the game to the Quins errors appeared in the home side’s defensive capabilities. Poor line kicking allayed to some wrong decision making allowed Briton Ferry to control the game and it was no surprise when the visitors took advantage of some half hearted tackling to grab two tries from Gavin Pucket and Jonathan Knight. Fly half, Chris Jones converted one to put his side comfortably and deservedly ahead at the break. The Quins pressed early in the second period but Sheppard missed a penalty in front of the posts. The outstanding No.8, Billy Lavis then created the position from which the Quins gained a scrum five and he plucked the ball from the scrum and galloped over in the corner. Sheppard converted and then took advantage of a stray clearance kick to bang over a dropped goal from close to half way to gain the lead. The home eight then gained mastery over the plucky Ferry and tough scrum half, Jamie Morgan kept them on the boil and was always on hand to stem any would be attacks from the visitors. Fly half Gareth Pugh shook off the memory of a shaky first half and took more control with eager support from centres, James Owen and Neil Pugsley. An astute kick from Pugh had Knight in all sorts of trouble and Pugsley and winger Steve Colarusso gained possession and replacement scrum half, Marcus David celebrated his weekend leave from the army by darting over. Sheppard converted from a wide angle. Ferry threw everything into attack and it was the improved second half defence of the Quins held sway and the Ferry could only muster a penalty from fly half Chris Jones. Sheppard answered in kind for the Quins and the home fans scented victory The Quins eight were totally dominant in the last quarter and looked particularly strong in the scrums. Replacement flanker Dan Owen combined with centre and twin brother James to set up an attack and support from Pugsley saw Colarusso slip a smart pass to prop Andrew Price who crowned a great display by galloping over from half a metre. In the dying moments Ferry threw everything at the Quins and were unfortunate to see home winger Chris Jones intercept and gallop eighty metres to secure a bonus point victory his team. Jones also earned the plaudit of sponsor’s man of the match. The Quins Development Squad completed the double when they ran out victors at Briton Ferry by twenty five points to sixteen. Phil Williams crossed for two tries and evergreen forward, Gareth Rice also grabbed one while Gavin Stephens kicked two conversions and two penalties. After the home game the Quins were entertained by the superb Briton Ferry supporters and any club hosting these fans will be in for a rare treat. In this age of professionalism and semi and sham amateurism the memories of days gone by came flooding back with a warm glow.
League strugglers, Tonna found the visiting Quins a handful and despite a bright period during the second half were well beaten. The Quins pack started well and it was some hesitancy among the backs that kept the score sheet blank in the opening quarter. Good aggressive play by the Quins back-row trio of Craig Cox, Richard Wanklyn & Daniel Owen had the home side on the back foot. Marc Sheppard was a little off colour with his goal kicking but was always eager to enter the line from full back. As the backs settled down to the task some spirited running from winger Chris Jones and centre Neil Pugsley threatened the Tonna line but it was the forwards who claimed the first try from a good line out take by Darren Gibbs allowed Cox to score from a classic front peel. Sheppard missed the wide angled conversion but soon stretched the lead with a penalty goal. Andrew Probert hit back with a penalty for Tonna. Storming play from lock, Billy Lavis took play close to the Tonna line and a solid scrum saw fly half Gareth Pugh execute a loop with Sheppard and Pugh touched down. Sheppard goaled to put the Quins 15-3 up at the interval. The Quins front row trio of Andrew Price, Paul Miller and Neil Crocket proved too strong for the home side and it was their combined effort that provided the beef for Miller to score from close in, Sheppard converted. Probert added his second penalty for the home side. Skipper Wanklyn with support from Lavis and centre James Owen put in some strong runs, a pass by Wanklyn was dropped by Steve Colarusso but the winger made up for it moments later when he showed a clean pair of heels in support of a Neil Pugsley break and returned an inside pass to Pugsley who dived over. Things looked very bleak for Tonna but they staged some spirited attacks as their forwards gained some momentum. Two quick tries from Gareth John and Andrew Chapple and a conversion from Probert gave the Quins a scare and the visitor’s composure was rocked. The outcome was settled however when replacement scrum half Darren Flynn made a telling break continued by giant prop Neil Crocket who thundered through two would be tacklers before giving Craig Cox his second try. Sheppard converted to leave the Quins in second position in the league. The Quins development XV ensured a double as they ran out winners over their Tonna counterparts by 26 pts to 19. Winger John Gardner grabbed two tries and one each for centre Dai Anthony and lock Nathan Lewis and Gavin Stephens completed the scoring with three conversions. With a 9-3 victory over Corus the previous week end the Quins can look back on a very satisfactory week’s work
Aberavon Quins claimed a rare but deserved victory at Seven Sisters in a game dominated by stern defence and strong tackling from both sides. The game opened briskly and the home side put together some promising moves with Tudor Rees varying his play from fly half. The Quins defenders, with No. 10 Gareth Pugh well to the fore stood firm and as the power of the visiting front row of Andrew Price, Paul Miller and Richard Diaz gained the upper hand the home eight were in trouble at the set pieces. The line out battle was closely fought and Dan Thomas and Neil Smith shone for Seven but as the game progressed it was the visitors who gained the upper hand through Darren Gibbs and Bill Lavis who were well supported by Karl Davies. Marc Sheppard atoned for an earlier miss by easing the Quins in front with a penalty. Great driving play from the pack , orchestrated from scrum half by tough tackling Jamie Morgan gained acres of ground for the Quins and when the ball was turned over after a home line out win ,it was Neil Pugsley swooped on the ball and the centre touched down close to the corner flag. Sheppard landed the difficult conversion to put the visitors 10-0 up at the break. The second half was dominated by the visiting eight and a succession of injuries did little to help the Seven Sisters cause. Lavis and flankers Richard Wanklyn and Craig Cox were continual threats to the home side but to their credit the Seven defenders held firm. Some exciting runs from centre James Owen and winger Chris Jones just failed to breach the home defence. Gibbs was in commanding line out form and stole a few of the opposition’s throws but it was the boot of Sheppard that sealed victory with a dropped goal and a penalty.
Maesteg Quins showed remarkable resilience to snatch an unlikely victory at Harlequin Road. In tropical weather conditions the heavyweight Aberavon eight threatened a complete wipe out of the visitors. Second row duo of Darren Gibbs and Craig Cox were in great form and together with strong running No.8 Bill Lavis, created havoc amongst the Maesteg pack. Good driving play saw Prop Neil Crocket and scrum half Jamie Morgan held up on the line before a despairing clearance fell into the hands of full back Marc Sheppard who slammed over a drop goal from 35 metres. Sheppard then played a vital part in his side’s only try by entering the line and firing a miss pass to the fleet footed Steve Colarusso who finished in style. Home fans were now expecting the flood gates to open but the visitors youthful looking pack clung on with admirable tenacity and were ably led by skipper Lyn Davies. The Aberavon eight however continued to dominate proceedings providing quality scrum and line out ball but although there were sporadic individual bursts from fly half Gareth Pugh and centre Neil Pugsley the backs appeared not to function as a unit. With a strengthening breeze in their faces the home eight’s effort waned and the doughty Maesteg defensive effort thwarted every home effort to gain a score to settle things. The Llynfi Valley outfit seemed more at home with the wind at their backs and used it far better than the home side . Adams at full back looked a very useful performer and showed sharp pace and provided some great relieving kicks A long range penalty was stroked over with ease from close to halfway by Gareth Lewis and it was he who put the final nail in the Aberavon Quins coffin by converting his team’s only try gained by Lyn Davies after a concerted forward drive. The Sponsors, Western Cork selected Billy Lavis as home player Man of the match.
Tennant Park has been the scene of many hard fought matches over recent seasons with few points separating the teams. In this opening fixture of the season however the visitors were clearly on top from the start. The Quins pack dominated proceedings and although Skewen had their moments of ascendancy they were less noticeable as the game wore on. The game started at a frantic pace and the Quins backs were guilty of sloppy handling but when they settled down they looked very sharp. No.8, Billy Lavis put in some strong early runs and eager support from Craig Cox and Paul Miller spelt danger for the home side. When Skewen tried a handling move deep in their own territory winger Jamie Lean floored his opposite number and flanker Richard Wanklyn with support from centre James Owen put fly half Gareth Pugh in for a try. Marc Sheppard converted. Skewen countered well and were rewarded with a Rich Davies penalty. A hard fought passage of play ensued but a clever kick by scrum half Jamie Morgan was left to bounce by the home defenders and fleet footed Steve Colarusso gathered and touched down beneath the crossbar. Sheppard converted to make the half time score 14-3. Skewen enjoyed their best part of the game at the start of the second half and hammered at the Quins line. The visitors defence hung on and when awarded a penalty five metres out the home side took the goal kick when it might have been better to go for a try. Davies goaled but immediately Sheppard replied in like style. Davies and Sheppard again shared penalties but the home pack visibly wilted and the strong running Lavis, Parfitt and Cox took their toll of the Skewen defence. Veteran hooker Miller was always in the thick of things and his props Richard Diaz and Jon Agar gave the Quins the edge in the scrums. It was Craig Cox who got his name on the score sheet rounding off a fearsome forward drive. Sheppard converted Darren Gibbs and Lavis were in fine form at the lines out, Gibbs shone in fielding the restarts and they were both heavily involved in loose play. It was former captain Rick Parfitt who appeared to be the catalyst in the Quins forward effort and strong running from him with support from Sheppard put Colarusso in for his second try. Sheppard banged over the touchline conversion via an upright. A great lineout take by Gibbs set up a classic maul and skipper Richard Wanklyn scampered gleefully over unopposed. Inevitably Sheppard goaled to ensure an emphatic and deserved victory |
In their final league game the Quins gained the runners-up spot in Division 3 South West
The Quins continued their late challenge for the runners-up spot by recording a rare bonus point win at Kenfig Hill. Playing down the slope the Quins started brightly and flanker, Billy Lavis set up a strong attack. The Mules defended well and turned a speculative clearing kick to their advantage when Quins defenders failed to secure the bouncing ball. The eager Mules swarmed to the attack and fly half Mark Jones touched down. Stung into action hooker Paul Miller led a storming attack and Lavis dashed over from 20 metres. Sheppard eased the Quins in front with the conversion and soon improved his side’s second try scored by centre Neil Pugsley. The Mules refused to back down and spirited play from full back Cull had the Quins defence at full stretch. Sheppard made it 17-5 at the break with a penalty goal.
In a game that started in sensational style when a red card was shown at the first tackle the Quins got what they wanted in the shape of a bonus point win. Reduced to fourteen men almost from the start Banwen piled in to the visitors with great vigour an sometimes were guilty of over enthusiasm. Quins were hit out of their stride by the ‘stop start’ nature of the game which was littered with injuries which necessitated two visits by the ambulance. Marc Sheppard eased the Quins in front with two well struck penalty goals and after a yellow card reduced Banwen to thirteen men scrum half, James Peplow-Williams, darted around the blind-side of a scrum twenty metres out to score. The Quins did not look settled and were happy to turn around at the break 11-0 to the good.
The first half was a hard fought affair and it took a Marc Sheppard penalty to open the scoring. Some strong forward pressure with Rick Parfitt and Paul Miller well to the fore had Vardre rocking and a smart change of direction by centre, Neil Pugsley put winger Mike Parfitt over, Sheppard converted. Wayne McFenton hit back with a penalty for the visitors and the Vardre defence stood firm until just before the break when flanker, Rick Parfitt appeared twice in a cross field move and winger Steve Colarusso crossed for Sheppard to convert. The Vardre pack started to creak as the Quins heavyweights of Richard Diaz & Lloyd Hayden applied pressure. Darren Gibbs at No.8 had a good afternoon and was always on hand to create attacks
The Quins eight were in fine form and the front row of Lloyd Haydn, Paul Miller and Richard Diaz , supplemented by Andrew Dacey when Diaz was binned, were in total command. Nanty squandered the advantage of a stiff wind in the opening quarter by some poor kicking. Often they were guilty of kicking the ball dead or out on the full. The Quins were eager to take the game to the visitors and the home pack was in dominant form. Early sorties saw flankers Craig Cox threaten and Cox and hooker Paul Miller were just denied scores. The Quins opened their account with a fine score after lock Darren Gibbs secured line out ball. Fly half Marc Sheppard combined well with full back Gareth Pugh and left winger Steve Colarusso made ground and right winger Mike Parfitt touched down at the corner flag. Sheppard converted into the tricky wind. The speedy flanker Chris Jones then floored fly half Bumford with a thumping tackle and Pugh, Parfitt and James Owen all handled before Pugh grabbed the score. The Quins defended superbly to deny continued attacks from NantyffyllonmBumford pulled three back with a penalty for the visitors but the Quins made it 17-3 at half time when Jones again harried the hesitant defence after a Jamie Morgan box kick and the flanker claimed the try.
With the wind at their backs the Quins levelled the scores in the opening seconds of the second half with a Marc Sheppard penalty. Tondu then took advantage of the Quins attempt to run the ball from deep and gained a succession of penalty awards from desperate defenders and Ross Munroe crashed over and the conversion by Cunningham made it 10-3 to the visitors. The Quins eight then ground down the Tondu pack and were unfortunate when a few handling errors foiled scoring chances. Scrum half James Peplow –Williams varied his play well and was always ready to step up to the mark when tough tackling was called for. Sheppard closed the gap with his second penalty and saw the ball rebound from the crossbar from a monstrous attempt at a dropped goal. Strong running from centres James Owen and Neil Pugsley stretched the Tondu defence and evergreen winger Jamie Lean also ran strongly. A line out close to the visitor’s line saw the well rehearsed front peel finished with a Craig Cox try. Good strong running from full back Gareth Pugh put the visitors under pressure and speedy winger Steve Colarusso was unlucky to be denied a try but more forward dominance saw Chris Jones force his way over to settle matters 
Quins started very strongly and used the sloping pitch to great advantage. A strong wind helped the Ferry in the opening minutes and indiscipline by the Quins eight gave fly half Chris Jones the chance to gain ground. In their first foray into Quins territory Jones put the home side ahead with a long range penalty. The Quins hit back with some strong running from centre Dai Anthony but another lapse gave Ferry the chance to clear with a penalty. On their next foray into the Quins half Jones banged over a great long range penalty goal. The Quins however were not ruffled and when Marc Sheppard placed a penalty close to the corner flag the resulting line-out win by Karl Davies allowed No.8 Daniel Owen to execute a front peel to score. The Quins eight assumed complete control and a succession of scrums drove the home eight back time and again and tired legs were unable to stop centre Neil Pugsley from strolling over. Sheppard converted to make it 12-6 at the break. 
It might have been argued that the Quins were on the wrong end of some of the decisions made my ref but in reality they were out played and it was only the sure footed kicking by Marc Sheppard that kept them in contention. The major part of the game was played in Quins territory and the inability of the backs to clear their line took a toll on the forwards. Quins were always masters in the scrums but it was a surprise takes against the head that lead to the first spectacular Tonna try by Neil Habberfield. Christian Millar converted f from the touchline but Sheppard soon got the Quins back on terms with two long range penalties Miller stretched the visitors’ lead with a penalty but Sheppard replied in kind to make the half time score 10-9 to Tonna, a score that flattered the Quins.
The Quins were put under immediate pressure by the visiting eight but were unfortunate to be ruled off-side and fall behind to a Peter Emanuelli penalty. Sheppard levelled matters with a well struck goal after a strong burst from Ricky Parfitt. Open side flanker Leigh Taylor often forced the Quins defenders to kick hurriedly and full back Sean Emmery was always eager to mount attacking moves. Emanuelli eased the visitors ahead with his second penalty goal. The first try of the game came when a strike against the head allowed Emanuelli to unleash his backs and full back Emmery cut the would be Quins defence to shreds and despite some brave tackles from Gareth Pugh and Marc Sheppard , Kristan Perry squeezed over in the corner . Stung by this reverse the Quins pack really entered the affray with vigour and some top class line out throwing by Paul Miller enabled Darren Gibbs and Robert Jones to shine and it was from a Gibbs take near the Blackwood line saw the Quins pack getting behind No.8 Dan Owen and it was Craig Cox who gained the touch down. Sheppard converted via an upright and it was ‘game on’. The Quins forwards started to believe in themselves and gave no quarter but poor kicking out of hand allowed Blackwood to mount several counter attacks and one of which made the score 16-10 at half time when Emmery touched down for a controversial try with a hint of double movement.