DIVISION 1 WEST CENTRAL
MAESTEG QUINS ....... 10 MAESTEG ...................... 6
FOR their final match of 2016, the Quins welcomed Maesteg to South Parade for the “second test”.
The “Ghost of Derbies Past” reminded us the WRU Plate match went the way of the Quins. Consequently, Maesteg were keen to reverse that defeat, in the first league fixture of the season be- tween the closest of rivals.
Poor tackling and an ill-thought collision after a kick ahead, allowed Edd Howley to give the Old Parish a 3-0 lead.
The Quins missed a penalty before Lloyd Bradley dummied a pass and the supporting Lee Bevan carved through Maesteg’s back line. With wide open spaces at his mercy, the movement was halted, as it was adjudged to have involved a crossing movement.
Howley belted the ball 60 yards up the touch- line. Maesteg looked comfortable in possession as their consistent recycling protected possession. To ensure the entry deep into opposition territory didn’t end fruitlessly, Howley dropped a neat goal to double the lead.
A Quins attack had Maesteg in a pickle. Just as it seemed Geraint Evans had goose-stepped around a defender, a high tackle halted his progress and Rhys Costain was shown yellow. Lloyd Bradley landed the penalty.
Soon after the Quins too were reduced to 14 just as they were beginning to make their possession tell. Aled Edwards adjudged guilty of a tip tackle on Liam Healey which could have been a different coloured card.
The “Ghost of Derbies Present”, showed the Quins hadn’t changed their mindset from matches past. Stuffing ball up their jumpers proved the best form of attack. On 30 minutes the Quins eight initiated a 24-carat, 30-yard driving maul. Just as drives seemed to halt, the maul would wheel and another pod sprout out to continue the shunt, ending with Dean Ronan powering over.
The referee performed an impromptu gymnastic routine in the Maesteg goal area, but proved no Max Whitlock. Aiming to precisely position himself to witness the grounding of the ball, the match official performed a painful splits movement to end his performance, resembling the breaking of a wish-bone, which proved grave. He pored over the touch-down and much to the chagrin of the Old Parish supporters fifty yards away, he signalled a try.
Bradley converted from the touchline to extend the Quins lead, but the referee’s leg was so badly injured, the match was abandoned.
At least nobody’s Christmas was ruined before it started and the ‘Ghost of Derbies Yet to Come’ still has two more matches to cover this season and everyone wishes the referee a speedy and full recovery from his injury.