A good start to the season saw Quintin win (apparently…) the triangular tournament with a comprehensive win over Uxbridge IIs and a narrow defeat to Phoenix IIs. More importantly, we played well in nearly all aspects of the game, led from the front by a valiant 10-minute effort from Our Glorious Leader – the most anyone could reasonably expect from one of only three recognised front-rowers in the squad – and cemented our partnership with Swansea Social Services by allowing a retarded welsh cripple 20 minutes as part of the ‘care in the community’ scheme.
The first quarter was dominated by Qs, with nearly all the possession and solid set pieces. The scoring opened midway through the first quarter when last seasons second-highest scorer, who isn’t bitter about that at all, capitalised on some suspect work from fullback Benny Hill following a chip through. Five minutes later new boy James bundled over from close range to open his account for the club.
Domination of play continued after the turnaround, even with Vinesy taking over throwing duties the lineout was strong, and we were rewarded with a third try when Ciaran (wearing comedy receeeding hairline wig and a number 19 shirt) bumped his way through two tackles to cross beneath the posts.
The third quarter, against a rested Phoenix side, didn’t go our way so much. Although the referee did us no favours (our discipline in not talking back was much improved on last season however), we were the worse side, and Phoenix took advantage with two tries.
However, all was not lost! By wisely keeping his distance at the break Our Glorious Leader avoided infecting the team spirit with his relentless negativity and we came out fighting. A pushover try from Charles went some way to improving his mood after the Boks’ terrible display earlier in the day, but more importantly put us seven points shy and back in the match. Unfortunately, it took a Kiwi to really light things up two minutes from time, busting through the defence after slick buildup from the backs and triumphantly bellyflopping over the line to leave Adam Smith, yes Adam Smith, with the chance to level the game with the conversion.
Inevitably, he only went and Smithed it.
Overall, the signs were positive. There was a good balance to each of the various teams which took the field, relatively few
mistakes for the first outing of the season and at times we played some very good rugby. The only clear weakness was our defence, in the form of important missed tackles and poor organisation. All the new players did themselves proud, except for Kiwi Jon who embarrassed himself, his country of origin and worst of all his flock with his pathetic showboating swan-dive in the dying seconds. Tough justice in the form of a shot of […what the hell WAS that filthy green stuff??…] will hopefully show him the error of his ways.