Vale fall to Eugene Cross loss

CARMARTHEN Quins kept their slim title hopes alive with an impressive bonus-point win at Eugene Cross Park. The West Walians are now up to fourth in the Premiership table, 10 points behind leaders Newport, and they were far too good for Ebbw Vale.

But with only two games left against Llandovery and Newport, Quins need two bonus-point wins and other results to go their way.

This was another disappointing result for Ebbw Vale, who have endured a torrid season and are ninth in the table. Jason Strange took over from Greg Woods midway through the campaign and has found it tough, with many players struggling to make their mark at Premiership level.

Jac Wilson kicked Carmarthen into an early lead with two penalties before Dave Whiting showed tremendous footwork to score the opening try for Ebbw Vale. Evan Lloyd converted and kicked three further penalties to put the hosts 16-6 ahead.

But Carmarthen’s forwards turned the screw in the second half, with Torin Myhill touching down off the back off a well-worked driving lineout. Electric Carmarthen scrum-half Rhodri Davies levelled the scores when he ran in unopposed from 45 metres after a tremendous dummy at the base of the ruck.

As the game moved into the final quarter Carmarthen were in complete control. Former Wales Under20s wing Dale Ford claimed their third try when he crossed in the lefthand corner following lovely interplay between backs and forwards.

Carmarthen held the ascendancy in the set piece, with Ebbw Vale’s scrum getting shoved backwards at a rate of knots. The Steelmen couldn’t cope with the pressure in the scrums and conceded four penalties in a row in front of their posts.

In the end referee Ian Davies had no option but to award a penalty try, which ensured Carmarthen headed west with five points in the bag.

Ebbw Vale — Tries: D Whiting. Cons: E Lloyd. Pens: E Lloyd (3). Carmarthen Quins — Tries: T Myhill, R Davies, D Ford, penalty try. Pens: J Wilson (2).