News

RIVETING STEEL FIXTURES

With a month and a half of rugby having been played, everyone associated with the Quins is of the same opinion. The rugby witnessed in the first four games has been an absolute pleasure to watch and not just because the world has been starved of rugby. Each match has had different challenges, each a different ambiance and each contest has produced fascinating play.

Kenfig Hill were abrasive in defence and forceful in attack. Quins, trying to put together cohesive play were, in the end, forced to change tactics and successfully see out the game.

Ystalyfera came a distinct second in the territory and possession stakes at Ynysdarren. As ever, ‘Fera’s didn’t lack in focussed ferocity and defiant defence. Yet when the Quins took their chances, there was nothing the hosts could do. All four were executed with precision and in the case of Lewis Evans’ second score, superb individual skill.

Then came Neath in the Championship Cup. Any game against one of Welsh rugby’s biggest clubs is a special occasion, but to win! Given the opponents, given the quality of the scores and given the impact it had on the game, the opening twenty minutes may well be the most potently dynamic quarter ever played by the club. Few can argue.

Finally, last week’s game against Bridgend was a brilliant competitive display in the first half against Indigo Premier opponents. Eventually, the semi-pros took the spoils. A dozen fresh pairs of legs brought on at half-time helps. So too the odd partial decision. Still, the Quins proved worthy opponents, with numerous players giving extremely good accounts of themselves. Indeed, every Quins player could take positives from the game against Indigo Premier opposition.

Not wishing to place a ‘curse’ upon any individual, it would be best to say the players are exhibiting an extra quality and playing to their potential. Keep up the hard work.

Now, as the first full month of the season comes to a close, the next game is the first away match in the Championship Cup. Tata Steel will be hosts for their inaugural competitive encounter in eighteen months. Without doubt they will be relishing the prospects of playing competition rugby.

It’s been over a century since the two clubs first met, in September 1920 at Llynfi Road. Quins were playing as Maesteg Reserves and the Margam men were Port Talbot Steelworks. That day the Quins won 3-0.

The last time the clubs met was at South Parade in December 2020, which resulted in a fine 47-16 win for the Quins and a mid-week 15-30 success was the last occasion the Quins played at the Sports Ground.

July is hardly the best time to play fixtures, especially at a time when those with families are looking to get away after a year and a half semi-incarceration. This resulted Tata conceding their first Championship Cup match. Despite this early season blip, one thing will be certain, Tata Steel will include star players who are able to alter the course of the game in the blink of an eye. The Steelmen have them in numbers too.

Tata’s only run out to date was a midweek clash at Abernant Park, where Glynneath were 24-6 victors. This result will have no bearing on Saturday’s match.

What has been noticeable in the Quins performances compared to seasons past is the consistency. The quartet of matches have been played with a regular intensity in both defence and attack. The attack has also been slicker. These attributes will have to be in evidence again, with no let up.

Quins will want to put pressure on Neath, with whom they lie level on points but having scored less tries, puts the Maesteg men in second spot in the Championship Cup Group 3 table, before taking on the Welsh All Blacks at the Gnoll the following week.

Routinely games against Tata Steel are open affairs. Usually there is a sub-script to the contests: promotion; relegation; league survival. Normally there is a sparkling incident, all combine to make riveting ‘Steel’ fixtures against Maesteg Quins. Spectators can expect to see some fine rugby from both teams.

Championship Cup Group 3

Team      P   W   D   L   Pts   T

Neath      2    1    0   1      5    6

Quins      1    1    0   0      5    4

Tata         1    0    0   1      0    0