Quins hold their own, but Bargoed prove too strong
EXCITEMENT rippled through the Quins as they looked forward to and embraced the challenge of taking on the biggest beast in the Championship Cup - Bargoed. Everyone who witnessed the match were of the same opinion – it was a wonderful contest.
Despite falling to the competition favourites and being pressured in every way, not for a single second did Maesteg Quins despair and were in no way crushed whether in play or morale.
In what became a familiar story a monster 50-20 kick gave Bargoed a five-yard line-out. Held up, Bargoed broke off and, from the ruck, prop Gardner-Key powered over. Prosser converted.
On many occasions this season, scrums have wheeled and the dominant Quins have been penalised. Quins have been penalised when pushing teams off the ball. In this match, both occurred with the Bulls being the dominant pack and they were also given penalties to add insult to injury.
A scrum wheeled, Bargoed kicked the penalty to touch. Nathan Smith managed to get his fingertips to the ball and tap it back.
Pressurised, Jakob Williams flyhacked on the volley. It wasn’t a clean connection, the ball went straight into the midriff of flanker Callum Davies, who gratefully flopped over the line and the conversion was added.
After a torrid 15 minutes, Quins finally got a period of possession. A rumbling maul got close to the Bargoed line and skipper Steve Williams broke off, was partially tackled, but rolled over to get his team on the scoreboard.
Bargoed were winning the kicking game hands down but were finding the Quins hard to break down. Those crippling 50-20 kicks were reverted to and they worked to perfection. A penalty to touch and it was kick-catchdrive-try repeat. Replacement Rhys
Morgan was the beneficiary.
Attacking soon after a clear knockon at the base of a ruck was ignored and allowed Bargoed to heap yet more pressure on their guests. Adding salt to the wound, a string of penalties went the hosts way.
Kick to touch-catch-drive-try repeat and Morgan was again able to cross the line. Prosser added the conversion.
With the slope, the Quins were far more combative in attack. An error from the kick-off gave the Maesteg men a foothold.
Attacking the midfield, multiple phases were played out. Lewis Evans was put in and an inside transfer to Callum Powell, whose pace and angle outwitted the defence for a score on his return to the Quins.
Penalty to touch-catch-drive-try repeat allowed Bargoed to get their final score.
A fantastic period of play ensued for the Quins. Jakob Williams was prominent, as was McGuckin, Lewis Evans, Callum Powell and replacement Ryan Evans. The latter made a number of runs, crashing through and swiping away a number of wouldbe tacklers.
Taking the ball close to a ruck and feet from the line, Callum Powell, who had been busy in attack all afternoon, dummied and dived over for his second score, in what was an impressive return performance.
Once again the line-out worked very well, but most pleasing was the composure and excellent discipline which has come in for some justified criticism.
Next Saturday another quality club, Ystrad Rhondda will arrive at South Parade.
This will be another game well worth watching.