Phillips targets more scalps during season’s final weeks
HAVING seen off the fourth best team in the Premiership, Carmarthen Quins head coach Emyr Phillips is setting his sights on some even bigger scalps before the season finishes.
The Quins end with games at title-chasing Pontypridd and Llandovery before ending with a home clash against reigning champions Merthyr.
They may not be pushing for the title themselves, or be worried about relegation, but Phillips still wants a big end to his first campaign in charge.
“It would be great to pick off a few of the big boys before the season ends. We want to finish on a high and continue where we left off against Ebbw,” said former Wales hooker Phillips.
“It has been a bit frustrating in recent weeks because we are stuck in no-man’s land in the middle of the table.
“Every team coming to us has either had their eyes on pushing for the title or trying to avoid relegation.
“That’s why I was so pleased with the effort and performance against Ebbw Vale.
“We’ve got a good blend of youth and experience and they blended very well together.”
Defeat for the Steelmen virtually ended their hopes of pushing for the title.
They are now 16 points off the top and have played two more matches than league leaders Merthyr.
Ebbw edged in front in the first half thanks to a try by former Wales and Ospreys wing Dafydd Howells.
Rhys Jones had given them lead with a drop-goal before Aled Thomas equalised with a penalty on the half-hour.
Jac Wilson then cut through the heart of the visiting defence to score a try that Thomas converted, but Dragons wing Howells then powered over before the break for a try that Jones improved.
The visiting outside-half added a penalty to make it 13-10 at the interval.
Thomas levelled things up after the restart with another penalty before tight-head prop Javan Sebastian dummied his way over for a try that Thomas converted. The full-back added two more penalties before Ebbw grabbed a consolation try through scrumhalf Dai Jones.
The Quins head to Pontypridd on Saturday, with Vale hosting Bargoed.
CARMARTHEN QUINS – Tries: J Wilson, J Sebastian. Cons: A Thomas (2). Pens: A Thomas (4).
EBBW VALE – Tries: D Howells, D Jones. Con: R Jones. Pen: R Jones. DG: R Jones.