CARM QUINS...................19 NEWPORT........................28

NEWPORT’S Matt O’Brien picked up another try to ensure the Indigo Premiership Cup winners ended their league season on a high with a bonus-point win at Carmarthen Park.

The title may have gone to Cardiff on Thursday night after their win over Merthyr, but the Black and Ambers secured second place with their ninth win in 11 outings.

O’Brien’s 50th-minute interception try capped an excellent season for both him and his club and Newport head coach Ty Morris insists they will be back for more next season.

“Getting a bonus-point win to finish second is pleasing because Carmarthen is such a tough place to go,” he said.

“It has been a successful season and a lot of that is down to the captaincy of Matt O’Brien.

“The memories of winning the cup final will stick in the minds for a long time, but winning the league is the thing we want.”

With eight straight wins it seemed destined for Newport to win the league until they lost back-to-back games against RGC and Merthyr. They beat Aberavon in the cup final, and have a record four wins over arch-rivals Cardiff to enjoy as well, but the league title will be their main priority when the next campaign kicks off.

Centre Cam Lewis got Newport off to a great start with a try. Will Reed converted and added the extras to a driving maul try from hooker Henry Palmer.

The Quins, who had flanker Nic Cudd playing his last game before retiring, hit back with a try by centre Eddie James just before the break. Fly-half Steff Marshall added the extras.

Palmer grabbed his second try from close range after a kick deep into the Quins 22 by Reed caused problems for the home defence.

Reed converted and then came O’Brien’s interception of a James pass 55 metres out. He glided to the posts and Reed converted.

The Quins picked up two late tries, one while Newport were down to 14 men with Kyle Taylor in the sin-bin. Lock Ryan Bean got the first and replacement Ben Edwards profited from a drive over the line for the second. Carmarthen Quins – Tries: E James, R Bean, B Edwards. Cons: S Marshall (2).

Newport – Tries: H Palmer (2), C Lewis, M O’Brien. Cons: W Reed

(4).