Three-try Freeman steals the show in big Quins win (From Western Telegraph)

Three-try Freeman steals the show in big Quins win

Narberth 14 Carmarthen Quins 50

Narberth once again learned the harsh realities of life in Division One as they went down to a heavy home defeat against Carmarthen Quins, who were far too strong in most departments on the day and had the game already won at the half-way mark as they led 31-0.

It is to The Otters' credit that they fought back with two excellent converted tries in the first five minutes after the break and almost managed a third - but then a simple error gifted Quins' winger Josh Freeman his third try and from then on it was again the visitors who reigned supreme.

The writing was on the wall for Narberth from the moment that they lost an early lineout on their own throw and Giles Thomas landed a penalty after a strong charge by centre Emyr Jones was halted in the 22.

Quins' captain Paul Arnold and Paul Matthews reigned supreme in the lineout as Jamie Bohata made his final appearance of the season for Narberth before jetting off to France as a ski instructor.

Quins' No 8 Alan Mason was in inspired form with so much possession and Stewart Jenkins and Paul Morgan were only just behind him as they tormented The Otters with their direct runs and slipped passes that allowed scrum half Steve Wake to call the shots.

Simon Davies tried hard to rally the Narberth pack and there was effort aplenty from Rob Jones and Andrew Howell in individual terms - but little cohesiveness over sustained periods.

A Giles Thomas break through crowded traffic in the Narberth 22 allowed skipper Arnold to dive over for a try which Thomas converted - and they quickly added another seven points as Emyr Jones and Mason combined to put former Tenby player Freeman over for his first try, which Thomas converted.

Fly half Simon Daniel missed the chance to haul them level with a penalty after Howell had given Andrew Jones a chance in the clubhouse corner but had been caught by the Quins' cover - and strong-running centre Elgan Vittle made an incisive break for Narberth but couldn't find the support needed.

It stung the Quins into re-raising the tempo and a neat half break by full back Barry Thomas allowed Freeman to take the final pass and score near enough to the posts for Giles Thomas to convert with ease.

The Quins almost added another try from the kick-off as Mason took the ball and shrugged off some ineffectual tackling before swapping passes with Arnold and sending Wake darting away.

It looked as if the Quins were certain to score but a good cover tackle by Daniel Gravell saved the situation - although Narberth were unable to resist further pressure on half time and another Mason thrust set up the chance for centre Darren Simpson to score and for Giles Thomas to add the extra points.

Whatever coach Keith Eaton said to his Narberth players it had its effect because they soon broke their points duck as Howell charged to the right corner and quick recycling allowed No 8 Gareth Bennett to put left winger Andrew Jones over in the opposite corner.

Daniel did well to convert and he added an even better conversion after eight minutes when flanker Matthew Evans made the initial charge and Jones danced through for his second score, a try which showed what a good finisher he is as he had to beat two men in little space.

The Otters might have been celebrating a Jones' hat-trick three minutes later but he was held up in the 22 after good work by Bennett, Vittle and Jones.

The Otters also had a powerful thrust by Rob Jones and tried to run the ball at every opportunity but replacement Gareth James lost possession in the tackle and Quins' winger Freeman chased the ball when it was booted forward, almost casually winning the touch-down with his turn of speed, Giles Thomas again converting.

Howell again went close for Narberth in the right corner but the Quins were strong up front via Ben Grace, Mark O'Kelly and several replacements that included Phil Beynon, Phil Middleton, Paul Fisher and Gareth King, who were all involved. Beynon set up the next Quins' try as he dispossessed Gareth Bennett and after two bursts by Wake it was half back partner Giles Thomas who crossed for a try that he was unable to convert.

It was all Carmarthen in the closing moments and Barry Thomas grabbed a late try which he also converted to take the Quins to the half century of points - and inflict on Narberth another home defeat.

The match sponsors were Alexander Partnership with Hains and Lewis; shanks. waste solutions. The team sponsors were Plumb Center, Carmarthen; Narberth Junior Otters. The match ball sponsors were Narberth RFC Former Players Association; John Bevan, Bevan Tregendig; Pwll Trap Boys; Garnet The Happy Window Bowen; NatWest Bank Pembrokeshire Business Centre, Haverfordwest.