April 26, 2025 - 330 views
RGC 12 Carmarthen Quins 15
Saturday 26th April 2025
RGC’s season ended in a frustrating 80 minutes, in a game in which it was difficult to find any rhythm due to a number of factors. Both sides tried to get a foothold early on, with the set piece contested fiercely.
Quins looked to power through with a maul, but crucial turnovers from RGC eased the pressure, including one from Gareth Parry when the visitors were yards from the line. That was the last moment of the game for Parry, as he was replaced by Christian Hone due to injury.
Carmarthen were having more ball, and playing in the RGC half, and the penalty count was also going in the visitors' favour as well.
Big defensive effort from RGC again kept them out, bodies, hands, and limbs are doing their upmost to keep the ball away from the try-line.
Pressure built, Quins went close time and time again but couldn’t get over. They then went for the crossfield kick and the ball was collected by winger Louis Rees, who managed to put the ball down for the try.
25 minutes in, and RGC hadn’t had much ball in hand, and when they did, they forced the pass. It wasn’t one for the purist watching. These errors continued as the game was stop/start much to the frustration of the crowd.
Carmarthen Quins players were clearly suffering as they on numerous occasions needed the physio’s assistance.
Quins again were making yards and quickly moved into the Gogs 22, but were met with some hefty tackles from Charlie Probert and Ethan Fackrell.
Backs to the wall stuff as Quins turned over on the RGC line and the ball is cleared into Carmarthen half. Great chase from Caio Parry and ends with penalty to RGC/ The penalty nudged wide from Billy McBryde.
RGC fired into action, Danny Cross with the break, and they moved quickly before Dion Jones was pulled back for crossing.
RGC came out of the blocks after the break, and the try came after a line-out, maul and Charlie Probert pulled away to score. McBryde converted.
The pace was up a couple of gears for RGC, as Pedr and Delwyn Jones smashed through the Quins defence to make big yards.
It was clear the visitors were happier with the game being stop/start, as they tried to slow the game down again with the physio coming on number of times.
With their first visit to the RGC 22 of the half, Quins came away with a try from Ifan Davies as the flyhalf took advantage of space on the wing and went over.
Quins players continued to need physio assistance, with numerous players dropping to the ground at one point at least 5 players were on there knee - stopping play.
RGC were being penalised for a couple of high tackles, as Quins were kicking to touch, looking for the maul attacks. Those penalty kicks led to some slow walks to set up the line-out for Quins in which time seemed to drag.
It was a tense half, with both sets of players knowing that any mistake could be crucial in this knockout game.
The defensive effort of RGC was again massive – Delwyn Jones proving an outlet to carry and ease pressure.
A couple of breaks from Sam Stoddard and Ethan Fackrell, but couldn’t find that crucial pass when the attack was on.
Yellow Card was shown to Quins for a dangerous tackle. Ifan Davies was off.
The Carmethen medical staff covered a lot of yards today, again needing to attend to the visitors players on the ground.
With a man down but a 3-point advantage Carmarthen Quins managed to keep recycling the ball, going through phases and winning another penalty. Kicking to touch and going for the driving maul again.
Delwyn Jones was shown a yellow card, and a minute later the visitors finally got the try from an attacking maul.
In the 78th minute, Caio Parry gave RGC hope, with a try, but McBryde hit the post with a conversion drop kick attempt.
With the clock heading to red, the Gogs had one final push with over 15 phases looking to get the score – but it ended when the referee whistled for crossing and Quins had the penalty and the win.
