Aberavon Green Stars 10 Aberavon Quins 26
In an absorbing local derby the Quins ran out winners in a match that was a lot closer than the score suggested. A tricky wind favouring the Quins in the first half made the going difficult for the Stars with Quins fly half Ryan Pugh and full back Kieran Davies kicking well out of hand. A feature throughout the game was struggle between two very impressive back rows. The scrums however after a shaky start were mainly an area of Quins advantage with the experienced Dan Morgan accompanying youthful Dan Helson and Tom James causing problems for their counterparts.
Quins centre Dean Scully put in some trade mark thrustful runs pulling in defenders.
The brothers Flynn in opposition at scrum half ended with honours even as they cancelled each other out as attacking forces for much of the game.
Quins fly half, Ryan Pugh, opened the scoring after Kyle Williams followed Pugh's kick ahead to force a penalty. Pugh soon added a second penalty after great forward pressure.
Jacob Flynn made a half break before placing a kick producing a bounce that confounded all except Quins No8 Conor O'Callaghan who gathered and sprinted unopposed behind the posts. Pugh converted.
The Stars made a rare incursion into Quins territory and Sean Curran placed a penalty goal.
Quins skipper, flanker Craig Cox was in commanding mood and was supported well by Adam Dawe and Lloyd Hayden. Pugh added a third penalty to make it 16-3 at half time.
With the wind advantage in the second half the Stars upped their game and No.8 Elliot Jones was an outstanding forward and instigated many attacks with Riley Keogh in constant support. Pugh however stretched the lead with another penalty shot.
As the Stars pressed forward it was Quins winger Steve Colarusso that broke free from deep in his own half and sprinted sixty metres to score
a try converted by Pugh.
A sweeping movement from a line out on halfway saw the Stars backs given the opportunity to show their paces and Chris Leyshon finished with a corner try converted by Curran.
Against the wind the Quins were forced to defend and to a man they stood firm to deny the Stars any further score.
The home player of the match was Elliot Jones who thoroughly deserved the accolade.
(PHOTO COURTSEY of Vance Broad - Broady's Rugby Photos)
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