The capital’s team arrived at the Park after five defeats on the run against the Quins while the Quins made five changes from their previous League match and with the Scarlets taking two players for their match, this game was to be a real test of their squad, and all concerned.
For the second week running the strong wind was going to play an important part in the outcome. On winning the toss the Quins gave this wind advantage to the visitors, but despite this Dan Jones was able to register the game’s first points with a 3rd min penalty.
The Quins set piece was once again solid from the start and this gave Rhodri Wells the chance to use his experience to cope with the elements and worry the Cardiff side. Dean Gunter pulled three points back for the visitors with a 40 yd penalty.
The home scrum was able to deny the city side the control they needed, and mid way through the half, Dion Jones, at full back, was under a high ball and was quick to counter attack. He kicked up field and the ball was left to bounce and the vagaries of the ball fooled the cover defence for Dion Jones to hack on, and his control took him through to score a brilliant individual try. Dan Jones took the Quins into double figures with the conversion.
After 24 min Gunter put over his second penalty, and mins later his third kick brought the Cardiff side to within a point of the Quins score. The Quins were playing the conditions well and right on the interval Dan Jones was on target with his second penalty giving the Quins the half time lead of 13 – 9.
Considering the windy conditions the Cardiff side must have been worried to be behind and facing this strong wind in the second half .
Shaun Jones and Lee Taylor were able to capitalise on the accurate throwing in of Rdod Clancy at the line out and this combined with the ability of the Quins eight to keep and control the ball, gave the Cardiff little chance to get any kind of foot hold to get back into the game.
This strangle hold meant that most of the play was kept deep in the Cardiff half they had to defend desperately.
After several phases of good controlled possession Rhodri Wells was able to find a gasp and go over for a try. Craig Evans slotted the conversion giving the Quins an 11 point lead.
The City slickers heads were well and truly down and found little respite from the all action play of Will Boyde and Ellis Lloyd, and with 10 mins remaining the home eight were hammering the Cardiff line and this enabled prop Gethin Robinson to pick up and crash over for a try that put the final nail in the visitors coffin. Craig Evans converted.
The remaining minutes saw Quins encamped on the Cardiff line but the whistle denied them the bonus point try but they keep their unbeaten tag. Their three tries brings the try count between the two Clubs to 46 apiece.
The Quins next match is against league leaders Ebbw Vale at the Park on Friday with a 7.30 kick off.
