The Quins’ 35-29 bonus-point triumph at Bridgend Ravens was their fourth win in Super Rygbi Cymru this season – but their first away from Carmarthen Park. It was something they had been targeting – with three of their next four games on the road, including trips to Newport and Llandovery.
“It was something we’d spoken about as a group. Initially we spoke about making Carmarthen Park a fortress; the next goal was breaking that duck and getting a win on the road – and we’ve managed to do that at our first attempt after the break,” said Thomas.
“So, it’s on to Newport now next week, which will be a tough game. They are a good team and it’s a tough place to go. But the confidence of the group is growing, and the boys will certainly take a lot from the win at Bridgend.”
Outside half Charlie Titcombe, lock Lee Taylor, back row Ben Williams and replacement Shaun Evans grabbed the Quins’ tries at the Brewery Field. Titcombe also sent over three conversions and three penalties for a match tally of 20 points.
Bridgend outscored their visitors five tries to four but in the end, it wasn’t enough to prevent a fourth straight reverse, although they did secure two bonus points in defeat.
Hooker Tyler Olding, on permit from Newport, scored two tries on his Ravens debut off the bench in the second half. Wing Jake Thomas, starting hooker Corey Lewis and replacement scrum-half Harvey Nash were the other Bridgend scorers. Ben Burnell and Edd Howley kicked one conversion a piece.
“It was a good game, and we were really pleased with the win,” added Steff Thomas.
“We were slow out of the blocks and credit to Bridgend – they played some good stuff early doors. But then we came back into the game and didn’t need half time to come when it did, as we were very much in control.”
There had been just one point separating these sides in sixth and seventh, in what was their first competitive outing for four weeks as SRC resumed having taken a break after the first block of fixtures.
Titcombe goaled an early penalty for Quins, but the first try of the match went to the hosts after 17 minutes when Burnell’s kick set Jake Thomas away to score, with the former adding the extras,
Lewis crossed for Bridgend’s second try on 26 minutes, this time unconverted, but Quins hit back with tries of their own through Titcombe and Taylor. Titcombe converted both scores and sent over his second penalty as the visitors led 20-12 at the break.
Williams extended Carmarthen’s lead with their third converted try six minutes after the re-start but Olding was soon over at the other end.
Quins’ bonus point was in the bag on 61 minutes with their fourth try scored by Evans to lead 32-17. Further Bridgend tries from Olding again and Nash set up a thrilling finale, but Titcombe had the final say, landing his third penalty with the last kick of what was a decent contest.
The win took Carmarthen above Bridgend in the table. Next up for the Ravens is a trip to Llandovery. Meanwhile Storm Bert claimed the other three scheduled games in SRC.
The Gwent derby clash between Ebbw Vale and Newport, along with Pontypool against Aberavon, were both postponed due to unplayable pitches. Llandovery have recently had a new 3G surface installed at their Church Bank home, but their game with Cardiff was called off on safety grounds due to strong winds.
That means it’s as you were at the top of the table with Cardiff, who host Pontypool on Saturday, two points clear of Ebbw.
Meanwhile the Steelmen’s postponed game with Newport means they keep their hands on the SRC Challenge Shield. Similar to New Zealand’s Ranfurly Shield, the ‘holder’ will put up the Shield for competition in every home game in the regular league season.
Ebbw are next scheduled to defend the Shield in their home game against Cardiff on 14 December.
