|
The season proved to be a
remarkable change of fortunes for the club after several poor years.
Sion Lewis departed to Old Penarthians whilst Colin Morgan was brought
in from St. Peters RFC as Head Coach, and former Wales International
John Wakeford agreed to a dual player/forwards coach role. Also brought
in were a substantial number of former players, all of whom were to have
a big influence on the club, both on and off the field. Jamie Payne,
Sean Cooper, Mark Fenner and Jason Wainwright were all ex-youth players
of the club. Crucially, the half-back partnership of Richard Marshall
and Brian Patterson arrived from Rhiwbina, both with long experience in
the game which proved a steadying influence during the league campaign.
A new competitive
atmosphere was created in the club, which revitalised those players
long-used to tasting defeat. Richard Thomas and Joel Sidney were two
players from previous years whose efforts were key to the team
performances. Thomas also picked up the player of the season award.
The league season began
with daunting trip to Usk, but victory was sealed in the dying minutes
with Patterson breaking from the scrum to score in the corner. This
tremendous win set the tone for the season, with the club only losing 3
league games over the year. Usk came down to the Diamond ground and
avenged their earlier defeat, and were really the only side to outplay
the Harlequins. The losses to St. Albans and Fairwater were
disappointing in that the Harlequins dominated both games for long
periods of time, falling to sucker punches. The St. Albans game was also
marred by an assault on David Lloyd by a St. Albans player, breaking his
jaw. On the final day of the season, the Quins travelled to Fairwater
(by then League champions) and again, dominated the game, but weren't
able to cross the line. The game finished 0-0, a rarity in rugby.
Throughout the season,
the Quins complemented some extraordinary flair with uncompromising
forward power. With some serious pace out wide, the team looked to
spread the ball when they could, although the pack controlled a good
number of gsmes. Several games were won late on, the Bettws game at home
and Blaenavon (away) fixtures going into the last few minutes for
winning scores. It was evident that the the High School Old Boys were no
longer a 'soft touch' and that teams trying to beat up the Quins were
not getting the results they expected.
The season finally ended
with promotion in third position and a tour to Prague. High hopes are
expected for 2002/03, with virtually all of the playing and coaching
staff confirmed as staying with the club.
Rob Blunt,
Oct 2002 |
