Carmarthen Quins’ second outing in the 2025-26 Super Rygbi Cymru was a thrilling encounter, filled with thrills and spills and plenty of tries to boot.
The Quins were keen to put right the errors from the opening round against Bridgend, and dust themselves off at the Arms Park in the televised Thursday night clash against Cardiff.
It was the home side who got on the scoreboard first, crossing for a try just minutes after the kick-off. Quins however bounced back with a penalty kick by Elis Price before Ben Williams opened the try scoring for the visitors.
Hooker Lewis Morgan, winger Thomas Williams and replacement hooker Lewys Jones also all crossed the whitewash, securing the all-important try bonus point.
Despite Quins forging ahead in the first half, going into the sheds 7-18, it was Cardiff who reversed the scoreline early in the second half. Quins showed great determination to stay in the fight, setting up a dramatic finish to the encounter.
With the score all tied at 33-all on the 78th minute, Quins won a penalty inside Cardiff’s 22 giving Price the opportunity to win the game on the 80th minute. He slotted the ball with ease securing the victory for Quins.
After the game, Director of Rugby and Team Manager Steff Thomas, said: “There were mixed emotions during the game, we were in it, we let them off the hook and then we got back in. To win it at the end like we did, absolutely delighted. Delighted for the boys, we questioned their character a little bit during the week because we weren’t quite at the races at Bridgend.
“The grit and determination they showed tonight was outstanding and they thoroughly deserved the W. Really chuffed for them.”
Cardiff marched back into the lead in the second half, but Quins held strong. Steff went on to say: “We have to keep the belief, stick in there, and the likes of Steff, Shaun, Tom Phillips, their experience comes through in key moments. The composure that we were able to show today with those boys on the field was the difference.
“Last year we maybe perhaps struggled to respond to that but today was a different Quins and one that I’m really proud of.”
The victory, and the composure shown by the young side, will no doubt be a big confidence boost ahead of the first home game of the season.
“We went away from last week, beat ourselves up for four or five days after the Bridgend game because we were in the box seat and didn’t close it out. Delighted for Elis aswell with the winning kick.
“It’s always tough on the boys and the bodies with the quick turnaround. They will need to recover well in the next couple of days. Enjoy their weekend, enjoy the win.
“Certainly going into Ponytpool we’re going to be buoyant on the back of two good performances, even though we haven’t had two results, certainly on the back of tonight going into a home game at Carmarthen Park, excites us and we’ll look to build on today.”
Next up: Pontypool at Carmarthen Park, Saturday 27th September, kick-off 14:30
