Cardiff power through

Jan 28 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

Carmarthen Quins 15-43 Cardiff

CARDIFF showed against first division Carmarthen Quins that they have grown up in three years, writes Tony Poole.

Quins gained one of their best cup victories back in February 2005 when they came from 11-0 down to pip Cardiff 17-11.

But since then the Blue and Blacks have come of age, and that was much in evidence as they comfortably gained a place in the last-16 stage of the tournament.

Where Cardiff excelled was hitting Quins on the break, and during the first half tries from wing Nathan Rees, full-back Roger Davies and flanker Damian Welch left them in pole position.

Quins gave it their best shot with hooker Chris Francis getting a neat try, and at the halfway point they only trailed 17-8. But two tries early in the second half from Rees, who got a fourth late on, made the outcome a formality.

“The pace and strength that Cardiff possessed shone through, and the game provided us with a Premiership yardstick,” said Carmarthen Quins assistant coach Barry Maddocks.

Carmarthen Quins: Tries – C Francis, Daniel Hawkins; con – C Jones; pen – C Jones

Cardiff: Tries – N Rees (4), R Davies, D Welch, R Howells; cons – C Evans (2), G Davies (2)