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12 October 2017 / Club News

AMMANFORD PREVIEW - KEEP OFF THE GRASS

TIP-TOED TENSION

Match days at Ammanford are usually eventful in one way or another. Whether a high scoring contest to end Quins’ fears of relegation or a tangibly tight fight, there is always a great deal to keep the crowd on their toes.

THAT SINKING FEELING EVEN AFTER WINNING

The action isn’t confined to on field events. After last season’s game, Quins’ faithful were left all adrift, as the bus sunk in the soft soil at the ground. It wasn’t a problem, for it was back to the bar. It was noticeable how some got there a lot quicker than others!

MORE COMEBACKS THAN RAMBO

Comebacks are also a key feature of our fixtures. Needing a win to avoid relegation, the Quins built a big lead against second placed Ammanford. Leading 13-28 at the break, suddenly a couple of bonus points seemed to be the best possible outcome. Expertly running the ball at every opportunity, the rampant hosts took the lead and didn’t look like they wouldn’t relinquish it.

Luckily Ammanford’s efforts drained them. Regrouping, the Quins made three consecutive scores to end their relegation fears with one game remaining.

UNBEATEN RUN TESTED TO THE HILT

Last season the match took place in February, just as the Quins long unbeaten run that started in December was in its burgeoning stages.

A PENALTY FOR EVERY PLAYER

Leading 8-13 the Quins conceded an incredible, illogical, implausible fifteen successive penalties. As Ammanford pounded their line it was a fraught final ten minutes. The defensive effort was magnificent, proving something special was happening as the team embarked on the club’s highest league finish.

RECENT RESULTS - NO BEARING

This season Ammanford have won two of their first five matches. Last week they fell to a very good Maesteg Celtic in the WRU Plate at Garth Welfare Park, 18-15. Quins defeated a robust Kenfig Hill at home in the same competition.

There is no way these results have any bearing on the weekend ahead. Ammanford are a totally different beast when on their own patch and are a talented squad with heaps of potential.

A single win will lift Ammanford from their lower middle table spot. A feat they can quite easily achieve if their star players are available. Their pack are strong and they have backs that revel in finding and exploiting space.

On the other hand, the Quins were disappointed despite their fine win against second placed Kenfig Hill last week. While the spectators were thrilled, the players were happy but looked as though they felt it was a disjointed performance. They will be looking to rectify this.

IT MEANS 150

Andrew Healy will be making his sesquicentennial appearance on Saturday. Healy made his Quins debut in 2004-2005. He joined the club on a permanent basis the following season. Under the guidance of Colin Roberts, his was encouraged to play back-row instead of prop.

Joining Maesteg, he played at Llynfi Road for three seasons before the infamous Old Parish ‘clear-out’ of 2009-2010 'Double' winning side and 2010-2011 saw him return to South Parade.

There was another stint away from the Quins, a season long spell at Tata Steel. Injury has meant curtailed appearances, but there were plenty of glimpses of what Andrew Healy can produce in his performance last week.

If we are to properly celebrate Healy’s 150th game back in our clubhouse at a reasonable time, message to the bus driver – keep off the grass!

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