Rise of the mighty Quins
RUGBY
CONSIDERED the least attractive of the Llynfi Valley rugby clubs for much of their existence, Maesteg Harlequins are perfectly represented by Hans Christian Anderson’s The Ugly Duckling, writes Dai Berry, author of You Ain’t Seen Nothing Like – Maesteg Harlequins 125 years of rugby.
Called “the pub team”, in the ’60s and ’70s while Merit Table powerhouse Maesteg, along with “second class” Maesteg Celtic and Nantyffyllon were trailblazing, in hostelries throughout the valley Quins’ Jimmy Nicholas rescued the club.
Convincing many unwitting imbibers to join the often literally, merry band on the rugby field, many remain proud members.
Despite being a “Junior Union” club until 1987, fixture lists included testing matches against strong Pontypridd Athletic, Cross Keys United and Wasps Vandals teams.
Entering the Central Glamorgan leagues, life started in Division Three. Ascending the divisions under Peter Evans, Les Owens, Alun James and Leighton O’Connor, on reaching Division One the WRU formed the National Leagues. Coinciding with professionalism many stated; ‘without paying [players] you’re finished.’ Quins didn’t. Relegation to the lowest division followed.
On the cusp of the millennium came the starcrossed arrival of Neville Roberts. Moulding experience with youth, this inaugural period of sustained success garnered three league titles, a Silver Ball and Presidents’ Cup.
Colin Roberts maintained momentum. Overtaking all but Maesteg locally the Quins reached Division Two. The coal black and blood reds metamorphosed from ugly ducklings into cygnets.
By 2008 this gnarled side reached its zenith. Relegation beckoned over two seasons as the veterans drifted into the ether, while several burgeoning performers were encouraged to compete at higher levels.
Napoleon revered good fortune above skill, famously appointing generals on the basis of luck. Fate is a huge factor in sport too and in a major twist, the young talent returned “home”.
Few clubs would en- trust a 22-year-old with a prime coaching role – Quins did. Since the 2010 “homecoming”, with Dean Ronan et al’s guidance, results have been unbelievable. Four more league titles bring the National tally to eight, progressing from Division Seven to Division One.
Along the way Quins have recorded consecutive 100% league seasons. Unbeaten runs of 45 and 32 matches, a second Silver Ball and President’s Cup, plus a Principality Stadium appearance.
This season the impetus to winning Division One was maintaining an incredible unbeaten tag for the first 20 matches. Playing four games in eight days may have cost another invincible league season.
Many fine individual performances have witnessed in the best season in 119 years of Maesteg Harlequins rugby. However, the collective will to win and magnificent desire means the Quins unbelievably hold Championship status, a long way from the club’s former standing.
Of the progression from Junior Union to club rugby’s second tier, chairman Robert Williams states: “Maesteg Quins’ turnaround is phenomenal. We are proof success does not have to be bought.
“Every player who has donned a Quins shirt and the coaches have been magnificent. We cannot forget the lean times, as without the players and coaches who kept going even though things were tough, we wouldn’t be enjoying the unbelievable present.
“We now have the privi- leged task of maintaining the great name of Llynfi Valley rugby. Historically, they are enormous boots to fill, but we will strive to do so in the good name of all our clubs.
“Anyone wishing to take up the challenge of competing in the Championship – come along. A warm welcome awaits.”
Currently, Maesteg Harlequins are not the ugly duckling of old, but a fine swan indeed.