MAESTEG QUINS..............20 KENFIG HILL.....................15
UNLIKE many a ‘friendly’ prior to the season starting in earnest, this match had a real competitive edge to it. Both teams chomped at the bit and were raring to go.
Kenfig Hill, who stepped in to fill a fixture void, were looking for a Championship scalp. Quins were seeking to mould new faces in with the old.
This was a significant fixture for both teams in terms of physicality. Intensity was extremely high for the first 15-aside game in 18 months.
For the Quins, the scrum went well, whoever packed down in the front five.
The first try came from a driving line-out. When the drive came on, it proved co-ordinated and effective. Dean Ronan scored.
A number of times Brandon Huntley, Harry Morgan-Grant and Rhys Costain held up defenders and made semibreaks. Their passing too was accurate and when everything gels, they will prove handfuls.
There were some corking carries. The best of the day came from Akeem EubankAnderson, who stormed for a full 20 yards with an accompanying attachment of defenders.
Josh Dixon replied for Kenfig Hill with a cheeky never-give-up chase for scrappy Quins possession won against the throw, to intercept a flat pass and speed in.
Lewis Evans then slipped his namesake Tutt a clever pass and the Quins flanker powered over. Outside-half Evans’ boot was a significant factor in the win, along with his accurate passing and ability to escape capture in tight moments.
Recipient became provider with Tutt showing quick hands when delivering the ball to Huntley who exhibited adhesive fingers to dive over. Evans converted.
Opening the second half with bang, Kenfig Hill executed a simple move with clinical excellence that put wing Aled Davies in at the corner.
A sense of disorder crept into all quarters of the Quins contingent and the Maesteg men were losing their discipline. The second half was turning the Mules’ way and a victory for the Division One team was not out of the question. Another try brought the Mules within two points of their hosts. A fraught five minutes defending their line against a constant Kenfig Hill onslaught brought the Quins to their senses.
Eventually, Quins found themselves beneath the opponents posts and paying deference to Kenfig Hill, when awarded a penalty Huntley goaled to put five points between the teams. The Mules had to touchdown in order to get a positive result.
Next week, Heol-y-Cyw will be a tough challenge for Quins on their own ground.