There was an air of confidence running through the Quins 3s dream team as they turned up one at a time, all a minimum of 20 mins late for the 3s end of season tour to Limavady.
Only when everyone was on the bus did it become obvious that there were only 5 backs and ten forwards!!! Along with two hookers and only one prop!!! When Wayne read the team out it sounded like something from a comedy sketch with 20st ‘Don The Dominator’ selected at inside centre and the left wing being shared between 6ft 5” Charlie ‘The Wild man’ and 16st Dave ‘The Destroyer’. It was clear to see that the 3s team was preparing for a physical encounter. Ben conceded that he would ‘take one for the team’ & agreed to prop!!
The weather was perfect in Limavady it was a dry bright day, perhaps not ideal for the big Quins team, but the Quins back line included the scoring legends Ollie & Gibbo.
The first score of the day was unfortunately disallowed by the ref. Tim ran around two Limavady players to score, however the referee appeared to listen to the two Limavady players who shouted “hes out!!!” when he clearly wasn’t. The ref then suggested to the linesman that he should “Lift his arm to clearly show when someone is out” to which the linesman stated “no-one was out”. The referee however made the decision to come back to the approx. location of the foot in touch to award a scrum??????
The next score of the day came from a rampaging run by Gavin Thomas from about the 10 yard line when he was passed the ball by Don, he handed off two players, ran around a Limavady winger, sidestepped another Limavady player before forcing his way over the line with four Limavady players hanging off him. (Gav that was how you described it to me on the bus on our way home – wasn’t it??)
Ollie McDonald & Andy Gribben where unstoppable both enjoying getting ball in open space and running against a poorly organised defensive line. Ollie scored 3 trys & Gibbo scored 2, most of which involved great individual breaks.
Cabbage kicked well (in front of the posts) kicking 5 conversions and 1 penalty. Cabbage also chipped the ball whilst in the Quins 22, the ball went straight to a Limavady player and almost resulted in a Limavady score.
The Limavady team were very effective when they kept the ball in their large physical pack regularly making many yards but always eventually being turned over or knocking the ball on. When a limavady player had to leave the pitch following a suspected broken leg the game could only have one outcome.
In the end the match was finished approximately 10 minutes early.
Special mention must go to Pete Scott who didn’t travel on the bus as he was in Donegal on a family holiday but made it to Limavady to play in what is likely to be the last 3s match of the season. In the last few minutes of the game the Limavady team kicked off, Pete plucked the ball out of the air & took off. Pete ran through much of the Limavady pack, chipped the ball over the head of the Limavady full back and then ‘knocked the ball on’ over the line!!!!!!
Other points of note:
Clearances kick by Turk straight at Gav’s head
A very poor effort at a silly shirt by Gav & Cabbage
Charlie and Ollie regularly working really well whilst Charlie was on the wing.
A great time was had in Limavady with drinking games galore, leading to a messy bus journey home & an early night for most. Really good effort by everyone on the dressing up front!!!
Guys/Legends!! a massive thank you for all your efforts throughout this season!!
Do your best to make it to Deramore on Paddys day for the Quins vs Instonians match followed by the Ire vs. Eng match, The Casino Night (24th March), The Players Dinner & The Club Ball!!!!!
