Sterling defence was the key as Tondu built a 20-7 lead early in the second half and hung on grimly as Quins, whose only loss had come against a touring team from Argentina, piled on the pressure. But it all proved in vain as Tondu held out for a 20-14 victory.
Quins didn’t click until late on but Tondu, whose forwards coach is former Llanelli flanker and breakdown specialist Ian Boobyer, attacked rucks with their jackling players for a triumph they just about deserved.
Tondu had charged into the lead with a driving line-out bringing a try for lock Tyler Richards, full-back Iestyn Williamson converting with his left foot from wide out.
But Quins responded a few minutes later, seconds after Tondu flanker Harry Griffiths was sin-binned for not retreating 10m at a tap penalty, through burrowing prop Gruff Williams. Outside-half Ellis Thomas converted to level matters.
Tondu scrum-half Josh Payne intercepted a pass but was overhauled by Quins captain Ben Proctor, the son of former Wales and Llanelli wing Wayne Proctor, who is coach of Carmarthen.
However, Tondu went in front for a second time through a penalty from Williamson. The breathless start continued when Carmarthen prop Morgan Bending was held up over the try-line.
Memories that will last a lifetime! @tondurfcyouth are your WRU Youth Cup Champions!! @WaterWheelers fans will enjoy watching this trophy lift back 🏆
👏 Llongyfarchiadau#WelshRugby | #RoadToPrincipality pic.twitter.com/M9YeFNYXLZ
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) April 7, 2023
Both clubs were intent on running the ball from deep with their front five forwards getting in on the act but the next scoring opportunity came from the boot of Williamson, but he dragged his penalty attempt wide.
Tondu were disciplined and had success with steals or penalties at the breakdown as the sun beat down on a healthy crowd occupying the middle tier either side of the committee box.
Back chat from a Quins player after a decision went against them enabled Tondu to kick for the corner. The line-out was disrupted but hooker and captain Ellis Major tidied up to set up the platform for flanker Sam Creber to dip low and force his way over.
Williamson’s conversion shaved the outside of an upright but they were 15-7 to the good at the end of a pulsating first half.
And they extended their advantage to 13 points with a super try following a rapid-fire build-up which culminated in a long pass from outside-half Osian Yardley finding Williamson. The full-back perhaps could have gone himself but drew the cover to put winger Dylan Tippett over. Williamson was wide with the conversion, his fourth miss of the match.
Carmarthen had two tries disallowed in the space of a minute but the tension was growing as they knew they had to score next. They increased the tempo and penned Tondu in or near their 22 for long periods.
Tondu centre Shea Duggan was fortunate to escape a red card for a tip tackle and Quins punished them from the resultant penalty with Carwyn Thomas going over wide out. Centre Matthew Williams converted and they were a converted score from taking the lead. But it was not to be as Tondu went wild with delight as the final whistle sounded.
Carmarthen Quins: Ben Proctor (captain); Oli Hawke, Matthew Williams, Ifan Knott, Jac Thomas; Elis Thomas, Cai Thomas; Gruff Williams, Steffan Jones, Morgan Bending, Efan Parry, Josh Elvy, Owain Thomas, Guto Phillips, Dom Hammett.
Subs: Ifan Freeman, Carwyn Thomas, Osian Jones, Gethin Davies, Dylan Rowe, Dylan Davies, Elis Price, Roan Smith.
Tries: G Williams, C Thomas; cons: E Thomas, Williams.
Tondu: Iestyn Williamson; Dylan Tippett, Shea Duggan, Sam Matthews, Jack Boobyer; Osian Yardley, Josh Payne; Alex George, Ellis Major (captain), Curtis Fry, Tyrell Nixon-Hall, Tyler Richards, Harry Griffiths, Sam Creber, Connor Jones.
Subs: Charlie Edwards, Cai Phillips, John Thomas, Finley Jones, Jonny Evans, Harri Williams, Jarad Young, Dylan Parry.
Tries: Richards, Creber, Tippett; con: Williamson; pen: Williamson.
