This match was always going to be a match of attrition, Quins had lost heavily to Malone earlier in the season when they had gone down to 14 players and had a point to prove in this encounter.
With a break in the Ulster Bank All Ireland League both sides had full strength sides to field and it was refreshing for Quins to see so many of the first XV players down to lend their support.
The first half saw Quins playing into a squalling wind making it impossible to kick out of pressure, but this was not going to be a problem for the young side, their sharp backline were able to move the ball quickly and attack from different angles, however Malone’s defence was up to the task and managed to stop sure tries. In the set piece Quins dominated, this resulted in most of the first half being played in Malone’s half, and credit must go to both sides hookers who were able to get the ball to their relevant jumpers in the line outs.
Malone only managed to take play into Quin’s half by good kicking although most were well fielded, however on one occasion 25 minutes into the game Malone came away with a converted try. Quins soon had an opportunity for 3 points in front of the posts after a Malone infringement but the kick was taken wide by the wind. Malone then managed to slow the ball down at the breakdown starving Quins of fast ball and the game was played at Malone’s pace however they were unable to take advantage of this or the wind and the half ended 7 – 0 for Malone.
The second half saw Quins control the play, good use of the wind kept Malone stuck in their half but credit to them for the defence but it was not long until Owen McMurray made an excellent line break and supporting player Mark Roberts went in for the try converted by James Sheills taking the score to 10 – 7 in favour of Quins. They should have pushed on at this stage but conditions dictated the game and a further two penalty kicks went astray, the final result being in Quins favour at 10 -7.
Team Manager Barry Dowling said he was pleased with the performance and much improved from the last encounter. Coach, Mark Henderson stated “the guys put the work in over the last few weeks in terrible conditions, they are a good bunch with commitment and looking to make up for a poor start to the season, this was a massive turn around from their last match with Malone”
Quins 2’s next game is a home fixture against Lurgan 1st XV a side who are performing well this season, ko 2 30pm
