| Sunday
23rd September 2007
Opening day of the season and Quins were handed a tough fixture away to Pontyclun Falcons – a repeat of last seasons Cup Final. Despite a potential playing squad of 86 players unavailability problems meant the Quins took the field with a bare starting 15.
The opening quarter was fairly even with the heavier Pontyclun pack enjoying the wet conditions but the deadlock was broken when Becky Newton, playing as hooker for the 1st time, took a quick penalty, beat a couple of defenders before offloading the ball, allowing the backs to move the ball quickly along the line to Hayley Baxter who rounded the defence to score under the posts. Jilly Holroyd converted. Quins were now on top and great defensive pressure plus some tactical kicking from outside half Awen Thomas meant the game now being played almost exclusively in the Pontyclun half. This pressure resulted in the Quins forwards disrupting a Pontyclun scrum close to the tryline allowing ‘birthday girl’ Zoe Eaton to celebrate her 40th by pouncing on the loose ball to score. A Pontyclun penalty followed before Quins quickly replied. A lineout won by Rachel Taylor was quickly moved wide where a backs move allowed Hayley Baxter to hit a gap in the defensive line and round the full back to score. Jilly Holroyd again converted. Half time score 19-3.
Despite being on top for the majority of the 2nd half the deteriorating weather conditions made it difficult for the Quins to play their usual expansive rugby. Defences were on top but Quins managed to improve their score when Catrin Edwards took a quick tap penalty from 20m out and forced her way over the tryline. A couple of other chances were missed as the game came to an end, notably when Kim Parry was stopped just short after a barnstorming run.
One point to note though - the fines committee will be studying video evidence /witness statements as Hayley Baxter appeared to decline the opportunity of purchasing ‘hat-trick’ beers as she ‘lost’ the ball in the act of grounding it for her potential 3rd try.
Final Score 24-3
Scorers.
Hayley Baxter (2 tries)
Zoe Eaton
Catrin Edwards
Jilly Holroyd (2 convs)
Team: Jilly Holroyd, Caryl James, Hayley Baxter, Sophie Bennett, Elinor Snowsill, Awen Thomas, Zoe Eaton, Catrin Edwards,
Becky Newton, Caryl Thomas, Kim Parry, Laura Richards,
Hayley Abson, Zoe Prytherch, Rachel Taylor.
Quins next fixture is home v Tylorstown 7th October 2.30pm k.o.
All support welcome.
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