The Super Rygbi Cymru season got underway at Carmarthen Park on Saturday, 14th September, with Quins welcoming Swansea RFC in the first game of the new competition.
The on-looking spectators were treated to a nine try thriller in autumnal sunshine, with a young Quins side putting on a solid performance to get the season underway in style.
It was Swansea who got points on the board early on in the opening minutes of the game with centre Lewis Edwards crossing the whitewash after the visitors secured a turnover in Quins territory. Outside half Josh Phillips added the conversion.
0-7
Quins hit back minutes later after outside half Ifan Davies sets up an attacking opportunity with a kick downfield. A lineout just inside Swansea’s 22 sees the Quins set up an attacking phase, showing great handling skills and patience before being rewarded with a try, with flanker Gethin Davies claiming the five points. Davies converts to bring the score level.
7-7
Fullback Eilir Goerge makes a break in midfield, dances around Swansea’s defenders and chips the ball through downfield. Swansea throw the ball in at the lineout, but Quins hooker Lewis Morgan wins a turnover. Quins opt to put pressure on the visitors with a kick to the corner, go for the rolling maul and Morgan is rewarded for his earlier work, diving over for a second Quins try.
12-7
Davies makes a break into Swansea territory, but the ball is re-claimed by Swansea. A speculative chip through by outside half Josh Phillips is gathered, passed through the hands and replacement forward Ryan Jones crosses under the sticks after half an hour of play. Phillips converts to put Swansea back in the lead.
12-14
Swansea wins a penalty inside Quins’ 22 and they elect to kick for the corner instead of an easy three points to continue building their score.
Quins’ defence holds firm, and the opportunity has slipped through Swansea’s hands.
Tensions spill over in the latter minutes of the first half and Swansea’s prop Cameron Jones is sin binned for a late tackle.
The advantage is with Quins and hooker Lewis Morgan claims a second try for himself after a quick tap and go. Davies converts with the homeside back in the lead before half time.
19-14
Swansea looks to finish the first half strongly with Phillips making a break into Quins territory. Scrum half Rhodri Davies puts in a huge tackle on the outside half to stop their momentum.
Referee Ben Breakspear win a penalty at the scrum, Phillips adds three points to their score before half time.
Half time: Carmarthen Quins 19 Swansea 17
It’s Quins who get the upper hand early on in the second half. Morgan wins a turnover and with possession and territory in Swansea’s half, the homeside take advantage of the opportunity to build a score. Centre Osian Jones adds the three points.
22-17
Swansea go on a strong run into Quins territory but the home defence holds strong. Swansea lose their momentum and knock on in Quins’ 22. Swansea get another opportunity deep in Quins territory but once again fumble possession with Quins kicking further downfield.
A penalty in Swansea’s 22 gives Jones another opportunity to kick at goal. He adds another three points.
25-17
Quins try Josh helps and converted by osian Jones. Quins 32 Swansea 17
Swansea once again go on the attack into Quins’ 22 but the home team win another turnover. Slow ball from Swansea and pressure by Quins’ defence sees the home team work their way up field. Minutes later Quins forwards are rewarded with a fourth try, with second row Josh Helps crossing the line. Osian Jones converts
32-17
Another impressive catch and drive from Quins keeps the pressure on Swansea’ defensive line and it’s another try. Try number five for Quins, with number 8 Lewys Millin claiming the points. Jones converts.
39-17
Replacement prop Connor Allen is yellow carded deep in Quins territory for not retreating, Swansea claim a try through replacement Geraint Powell after a tap and go. It’s not converted on this occasion but the visitors are looking to finish strongly with just five minutes left on the clock.
39-22
Swansea finish strongly with winger Callum Dodd claiming their fourth try of the afternoon, securing a try bonus point and finishing within 15 points of Quins. In doing so they also stop Quins from claiming their second bonus point.
Final score: Carmarthen Quins 39 Swansea 29
