In their 16 previous Premier encounters both sides have 8 victories apiece, so another close game was expected. If the Carmarthen skill level matched their enthusiasm then the result could have been different. The Quins pack had the better of the set pieces but the Cross Keys forwards had the better of the loose play.
In the second minute Craig Evans put in an accurate cross kick for Iolo Evans to gather with just the full back to beat and only a desperate ankle tap prevented him scoring. Both sides attempted to move the ball and Keys winger Polu Uhi was always dangerous.
The visitors made ground up the left and quick passing gave Uhi the chance to cross near the corner for Ethan Davies to convert. The Quins made inroads into the Keys half but errors let them down and they had to wait until the 25th minute before registering on the score board.
Chris Banfield gathered a Keys kick downfield and his attacking instinct took over. He beat several would be tacklers and linked with Kieran Jones who made ground before handing on to Kieran Hardy who raced over near the posts for an excellent try. Evans, who went on to surpass 600 poitns for the club during the match, converted to level the scores.
More exciting play followed before the injury time jinx that seems to follow the Quins let in James Leadbeater to score in the 42nd minute. Davies added the points.
Early in the second half Carmarthen powered up- field and a long pass to the right found Iolo Evans free with the line at his mercy only for the referee to rule the pass forward.
From another Quins mistake the Keys outfit were quick to counter and this gave Eithan Davies the chance to score the try and convert it himself.
The Quins scrum and line-out was always going to keep them in the game but suspect decisions kept them out. From two of these decisions Davies was able to slot over two penalties to secure the league points.
The Quins front row of Nathan Williams, Ryan Elias and the 19 -ear-old Steff Thomas are developing into a formidable unit which promises well for the future. The coaches are looking forward to next Saturday’s visit to Neath.
Shaun Jones, Ian Jones and Lee Williams are nearing a return to the side and Quins supporters hope to see a turn in the tide.
