On reflection the Quins management and players will understandably feel there were missed opportunities to secure more league points from those fixtures. The Quins seemed to have then got back on track with bonus point wins against Bridgend and Llanelli, only to lose at home to Bedwas last Saturday. Bedwas are a good side and thoroughly deserved their victory, however, it is a fact that the abstraction of players to the Scarlets, Wales under 20’s and Wales 7’s left the Quins selection options significantly depleted and this undoubtedly affected the outcome of the last game.
As in any league competition consistency and momentum are key features associated with success and the Principality Premiership is no different.
Whatever the rights and wrongs about player availability the reality is Carmarthen’s challenge for a top three place may well hinge on this week’s fixture against Cardiff and, put simply, the Quins need to win.
The home team currently lie in 6th place and are 11 points behind with three games in hand. Whilst there are still a number of fixtures left to play in this campaign both teams will be aware that the result could have a significant bearing on league positions come the end of the season.
The Quins did the double over Cardiff last season and, in the corresponding league fixture on 1st November 2014 Carmarthen won the home tie fairly comfortably by 27-9. Cardiff played Bridgend at the Arms Park on Wednesday and will be disappointed to have been knocked out of the SWALEC Cup by 22-12. The league however is a different matter and Cardiff will still have ambitions to finish in the play-offs. This Saturday is a game neither team will want to lose.
The good news for Carmarthen supporters is, the six players on Scarlet’s duty last weekend are available and are included in the squad for this Saturday. The starting XV and the bench have obviously been strengthened as a result.
Carmarthen Quins: 15. Lee Williams 14. Chris Banfield 13. Iolo Evans 12. Rhys Williams 11. Gavin Thomas 10. Craig Evans 9. Gareth George; 8. Rory Gallagher 7. Ellis Lloyd 6. Shaun Jones 5. Haydn Pugh 4. Lee Taylor 3. Javan Sebastian 2. Rhodri Clancy (Capt) 1. Gethin Robinson
Replacements: 16. Ian Jones 17. Jack Haines 18. Gethin Wyn Jones 19. Aidan Laxton 20. Sion Bennett 21. Christopher Williams 22. Dylan Morgans 23. Dion Jones
