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Mighty Quins into SRC quarter finals after big win at RGC

15.02.25 - Newport RFC v Carmarthen Quins - Super Rygbi Cymru (SRC) - Ifan Davies of Carmarthen kicks for goal

Carmarthen Quins director of rugby Steff Thomas hailed his side’s ‘special’ Super Rygbi Cymru wildcard play-off win at RGC – as they now gear up for a quarter-final showdown at Ebbw Vale.

Unconverted tries from wing Louis Rees, outside half Ifan Davies and replacement hooker Sion Jones secured a memorable 15-12 victory for the Quins at Parc Eirias.

The Quins frustrated RGC from the outset, with the Gogs unable to get a foothold in the game and produce the sort of performance that saw them score 59 points against Aberavon the week before.

Flanker Charlie Probert, converted by Billy McBryde, and wing Caio Parry scored for RGC but, despite one final push with the clock heading to red, they fell short. After the victory, Thomas praised a mammoth effort from the Quins.

“It was an outstanding performance, a real backs to the wall effort. We had seven Academy boys missing and a couple of hundred appearances worth in league performers like Tom Phillips and Rhodri Davies for example, all missing,” said Thomas.

“We took a young squad up there and to say they fronted up was saying something. It was really special. We went up there with a game plan and the boys bought into it and stuck to it.

“We knew that if we let RGC get their game going on their 4G pitch, they’re a side with a plenty of rugby in them – but we managed to take that away from them.”

Quins’ reward is a last eight clash against Ebbw Vale, who have won all 11 of their games at Eugene Cross Park this season in the SRC league and cup. The Steelmen were 24-7 victors over Quins in the SRC Cup on 25 January although they were given a fight when the sides met in league on 5 April.

Quins led 13-7 at half time and then were also leading 20-14 early in the second half, before a late rally saw Ebbw prevail 40-20 to keep their hands on the SRC Challenger Shield.

“It’s a free hit really for us at Ebbw Vale, that’s the way we’re looking at it. Nobody expects us to go there and win; we’re clearly the underdogs going up there and all the pressure will be on Ebbw Thomas.

“We played them recently in the league up there and after 65 minutes we were well in the game. So, there’s a little bit of work to do for us in giving an 80-minute performance, but let’s see what it brings.”

The other quarter finals see Newport hosting Aberavon with Llandovery entertaining Pontypool and Cardiff – who finished the regular season top of the pile – welcoming Bridgend to the Arms Park.

Bridgend earned their spot in the last eight after a dramatic ending to their wildcard tie with Swansea which they edged 33-30.

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