Cats triumph over committed Quins

We were missing several players to holidays and injuries but had 18 ready and eager for the fray.

Quins kicked off and immediately put pressure on Cats. Some surging runs by the Quins forwards saw them to within 15 metres of Cats line but staunch defence kept them at bay. Eventually Cats gained a turnover and started making their way down into Quins territory. Following a good run from Tom, carried on by Conor, Lewis crossed for the first try, under the posts and converted by Rory. Cats 7 – 0 Quins. Again from the kick off Quins were pressuring Cats and forcing errors in the Cats play. However, following a good tackle on a Quins player and strong counter rucking led by George, Rory passed the ball to Tom who kicked into space behind the Quins backs. Good following up by Will Mac saw him pick up with 10 to go and beat several tacklers to go over wide out, unconverted. Cats 12 – 0 Quins. From the kick off the ball was taken into the forwards before Rory released the backs. Aaron ran straight before off-loading to Tom who ran it in under the posts for a good try, converted by Rory. Cats 19 – 0 Quins. Quins were not to be denied for their efforts however and following good pressure on Cats from the kick off they did several pick and go’s to score a very well worked try wide out, unconverted. At half time Cats led 19 -5 Quins.

The half time team talk for Cats emphasised more structure and focus on individual roles and the team took it on board for the second half performance. Quins were providing a staunch opposition with in particular their loosies led by their impressive No 8 causing all sorts of problems to the Cats defence. However it was Cats who scored again with Toby throwing short to the lineout to Lewis before taking the return pass and running in up the tram lines from the 22 Quins territory to score wide out, unconverted. Cats 24 – 5 Quins. From the ensuing kickoff Tom made a good break into Quins half before off loading to Dan D who also made good ground. From the ensuing maul Aaron got the ball and ran straight for a good score, converted by Rory. Cats 31 – 5 Quins. Cats were now starting to hit their straps and putting better pressure on Quins. Following a period of play where both sides had possession Conor ripped the ball away from a maul ably supported by George, Lewis and Conor again before the final pass to Will Mac who scored wide out, well converted by Rory. Cats 38 -5 Quins. Quins continued to press and only good defence from Cats kept them from scoring however it was Cats who finished the game when George made a great run from near the half using his height and fend to good advantage before crashing over under the posts, converted by Rory to give the final score: Cats 45 – 5 Quins.

A good performance from Cats against a very committed Quins side who showed good potential and will cause concerns for other teams they will meet. Again after a loose first half Cats tightened up considerably in the second spell and there was some standout performances with Aaron, Toby, Lewis, Conor, Rory and Tom leading the way however player of the day went to George who impressed all game with his driving play and was suitably rewarded with a try at the end.