BIRDIE BLITZ TOO MUCH FOR QUINS
PONTYPRIDD ..................... 31 CARM QUINS ...................... 24
DIGGY Bird put the boot into Carmarthen Quins by kicking 23 points in his first game back with Pontypridd as they got the better of a high-scoring encounter at a wet Sardis Road.
“I’m pretty chuffed. It was always going to be a tough game,” said Bird.
“Quins always come down with a big pack and a well-drilled back line.
“Conditions played in our favour and we managed the middle third of the field fairly well. We took our points when they were on offer and it’s a massive win.
“If there are penalties there for the taking, then I’ll always back myself.”
The Quins got off to a flying start as Josh Davies made a clean break and Rhodri Davies was in support to score. Jac Wilson converted.
Bird responded for Pontypridd with three quickfire penalties as the hosts took the lead for the first time.
Bird’s kicks preceded a hectic five minutes. Steff Thomas put Carmarthen back ahead with a try before Dale Stuckey responded.
Then Bird kicked another penalty to make it 19-14 at the break.
Wilson kicked the first points of the second half, but Bird responded.
Bird’s kicking was relentless and his sixth and seventh penalties of the afternoon made it 28-17 and left Quins chasing the game.
And the visitors weren’t helped when losing wing Dale Ford to a yellow card.
A Stuckey penalty made it 31-17, and although Tyla Murvai grabbed a Quins try which Wilson improved, it was just a consolation.
■ Llanelli’s game against Cardiff was postponed as a result of the Scarlets being in quarantine.