Both teams tried to run the ball from the start but inaccurate passing and handling spoiled try scoring chances.
Consequently, the only scores on the board, approaching the end of the first quarter, were two penalties from the boot of Dan Newton and one penalty in response from Craig Evans.
Quins came close to scoring the first try when the lively Darren Daniel, made a 40 metre break. From the breakdown the ball was released quickly and a try was imminent but for a loose, looping pass, which resulted in full back Thomas Richie, intercepting and charging downfield. The Quins never fully recovered and eventually Joe Heatley gained the try with ex-Quin, Craig Evans, adding the extras.
Aberavon seemed to have a clearer game plan from the start. They used their heavy forwards, particularly No. 8, Morgan Allen, to run at the home side’s backs and this was beginning to take its toll. Blood replacements and positional changes seemed to unsettle the Quins and they had to battle gamely to remain in the game especially after Evans increased the visitor’s lead with another penalty.
Aberavon were unable to capitalise on their dominance with further tries and Newton was able to claw back the deficit with a penalty in overtime as the Wizards led 13-9 at the interval.
Immediately after the break Newton added another penalty and it was now the home side who were rampant. Jason Harries, enjoying his best performance of the season, sprinted 45 metres but he failed to hold onto the ball and Aberavon were able to clear their lines.
Minutes later, however, Haydn Pugh rose high in the line out and the ball was shipped along the line to Rheon James who crashed into the defence but this time not before slipping the ball to Daniel for a try between the posts. Newton added the easy conversion.
Although they were behind, Aberavon were not finished. Evans was again accurate with a penalty and the powerful running of Morgan Allen and his back row partners continued to cause problems. Eventually, enough holes were smashed in the defence for Andrew Clatworthy to burrow over in the corner. Evans secured the touchline conversion and again the Wizards were in the lead – one which was extended by Evans who added to his old club’s woes with a drop goal and penalty.
With 10 minutes of normal time left substitute, Sion Bennett, secured possession, the ball found its way to James Dixon who glided in for an unconverted try. With time running out, the attacking moves became desperate but Craig Evans kept pegging the Quins back and commanding the game before he was surprisingly substituted.
Then, five minutes into added time, Gareth Thomas charged down a kick and a few passes later the ball found man of the match, Jason Harries, who sprinted in under the posts for a try which sealed his side’s 31-29 win.
