Super Quins threat to the city slickers

Jan 20 2008 by Our Correspondent, Wales On Sunday

A MERE handful of matches were played on a windswept and rainy afternoon in South Wales – and Carmarthen Quins took full opportunity of better playing conditions in Division One West by thrashing Bridgend Athletic 45-9.

The Quins gained a valuable bonus point which puts them on the 51 mark, level with leaders Tonmawr.

The Quins had enjoyed an unbeaten run of ten matches and any hopes of a banana-skin were put to rest early on as they went on the rampage right from the kick-off.

Winger Joshua Freeman and Jim Morgan both grabbed a hat-trick of tries and Mark Jones, who has shown outstanding form all season, passed the 100 points tally as he was again in prolific form with the boot – adding a further 13 points with two conversions and three penalties.

Centre Jonathan Griffiths added his name to the scoresheet with a single conversion.

This result will be a great fillip to the Quins as they prepare for next Saturday’s Konica Minolta Cup tie with mighty Cardiff – and on yesterday’s showing, Carmarthen will be no walk-over.

Reigning champions Bonymaen have seen their form nosedive of late and they were on the wrong end of a 36-10 score at Merthyr, who now leapfrog over them in mid-table.

Merthyr were 31-3 up at half-time but made several changes after the break in preparation for next week’s cup match against Cross Keys.

Matthew Edwards ran in a brace of tries for the hosts and there was one apiece for Michael Schopsrek, Leon Rees, Paul Watkins and Kristian Dacey, who also put over three conversions. Anthony Cousins touched down for Bonymaen and Paul Warlow added to his season’s tally with a conversion and penalty.

Corus threw away a golden opportunity to lift themselves off the foot of the table after leading visitors Narberth 15-3.

But indiscipline cost them the match when Andrew Healey was yellow carded. The Otters took the opportunity to fight back and, with a late breakaway try, they edged past the Steelmen to record a 24-15 victory.

Cerys Jones touched down for Corus and a penalty try was awarded. Alex Shey landed a conversion and penalty. Steve Martin ran in a try for Narberth, but top scorer was Aled Davies who crossed and was also successful with four penalties and a conversion.