The Carmarthen Quins fly half has been a key man for Louie Tonkin’s side this season as they have continued to challenge at the top of the table. After winning their first seven games of their league campaign, the west Wales side haven’t been out of the top two since and are still competing for what would be an unprecedented league and cup double.
Quins may have lost their last two league games to defending champions Pontypridd and Newport, but they remain in second place going into the last four games of the regular Premiership season.
“We’re still well in there at the top of the table,” said Evans, who started his career at the Quins before spells at Cardiff, Llanelli and Aberavon among others.
“The last couple of weeks have been a bit disappointing and we’ve come up against Pontypridd at the wrong time on two occasions now.
“But the boys are still positive and have been awesome throughout this campaign. We’ve won a number of games this year we didn’t expect to win and last weekend against Newport was one we probably expected to win but lost.
“We can’t complain though and to lose just four league games all season has been brilliant – it’s unheard of for Quins really.”
With his controlled kicking game and accurate distribution from hand, Evans has been able to effectively release the dangermen Quins have out wide. With Wales Sevens men Jason Harries, Iolo Evans, Lee Williams and James Davies all part of the Carmarthen side, they have guided Quins to their best ever season in the Premiership era.
Going into the campaign’s finale, Quins finish with games against Bridgend, Cross Keys, Llandovery and on the final weekend, Aberavon. After such a strong season so far, Quins will be confident of claiming four wins, with the clash with Llandovery a potentially pivotal fixture.
“We’ve got a couple of defining league games coming up and we really have to fly into those and get as many points as possible,” said Evans.
“One slip up could cost us but a place in the play-offs still has to be our aim. It’s the minimum we should be aiming for given the start we’ve had.
“It’s a great privilege to receive this award and it’s reflective of the season we’ve had at the Quins. The whole team deserve recognition for what they have achieved.”
Virginia Linnell, Principality Building Society’s Camarthen branch manager, said: “Craig has had a fantastic season at Camarthen helping the Quins to second place at present in the Principality Premiership. Throughout February he got all the basics right, highlighting his strong kicking game, and was thoroughly deserving of the Player of the Month Award. We wish him and Camarthen Quins the best of luck in what promises to be a great end to the season.”
Craig Evans factfile:
Born: 21.3.85, Swansea
Position: fly half
Club: Carmarthen Quins
Former clubs: Scarlets, Llanelli, Cardiff Blues, Cardiff RFC, Cambridge, Llangennech, Aberavon
Education: Maes-yr-yrfa Comprehensive
Most admired player: Andrew Mehrtens
Biggest influence: Dad and family, junior coaches
