Match Report - 14th January 2012

Aberavon Quins Vets XV 29 v Old Penarthians Vets 0 (Friendly)

The Veterans had their first away day of the year to Aberavon Quins and despite numerous last minute drop-outs still managed to field fifteen genuine veteran qualified players supported by four ‘kids’.  The opposition were also suitably qualified to play in this type of fixture having twenty players of the required age.  One of whom was playing prop at the age of 61 which left even super fit ‘postie’ Dio Martin feeling young.
Quins did however have one under age player who made a considerable impact whilst playing within himself for most of the game. 

That player, who had played 15 minutes for the Ospreys in a Heineken Cup match the night before, was Richard Hibbard, who decided he wanted a run out with his old mates.  Despite his international experience he did however lose a strike against the head to Gareth Shaw but the next few scrummages were considerably tighter and it did not happen again.

The result, which seems irrelevant when there are stories of famous people to tell, was 29 points to nil in favour of the Aberavon side although the try scored by Hibbard towards the end of the game was not included in the scoreline because he was too young.

The back row of Jon Vaughan and Kevin Francis, playing for the first time in three years, tackled hard, Crevvie and Neil Margetson (forsaking another opportunity of a colours tie appearance with the firsts) propped and Gavin Seymour and Steve ‘Plug’ Newman provided less bulk than they used to in the second row.  Plug performed as usual in the lineout like a leaping salmon (of the tinned variety) and caught one throw in.
The backs tried to run the ball they received with Nigel Edmunds and Chris Dacey rolling back the years with well timed runs.  The passing was not quite so well practised however and the half time score of 14 – 0 was due entirely to two intercepted passes.

Thanks go to all who travelled even those like Danny Godfrey who had to borrow his dad’s car and it is hoped that the return fixture in Penarth in March will be equally as enjoyable particularly if Quins allow their hooker to play for Wales.

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