The ‘Mighty Quins’ romped home 41-12 to make it two wins out of three against Paul John’s side this season and set up an all West SWALEC Cup final clash with arch-rivals Llanelli at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday, 8 May.Â
Wings Jamie Davies and Richard Carter, as well as centre Andrew Banfield, all crossed for a brace of tries as Ponty were blown apart in the sun at the Brewery Field, Bridgend. The only response from Pontypridd came in the shape of a try by Wales Under 20 scrum half Rhys Downes and wing Lewis Williams.Â
Llanelli ran in six tries in their 46-25 victory over Cardiff with former Wales Under 20 wing Nick Reynolds picking up two of them. They were 27-6 ahead at the interval at St Helen’s, Swansea, and ran out comfortable winners in the end to avenge their semi-final defeat at the same venue 13 years ago agaisnt the Blue & Blacks.
Outside half Steve Shingler helped himself to 16 points as he converted five of the six tries and landed two penalties. Brother Aaron chipped in with a try and also picked up one of two yellow cards dished out to the Llanelli side by referee Hugh Watkins.
Prop Sean Hopkins, scrum half Gareth Davies and No 8 Ben Morgan were the other Llanelli try scorers, while Cardiff wing Nathan Rees crossed tiwce and there was one try in outside half Gareth Davies’ 15 point tally for the losers.
Veteran scrum half Kevin Ellis was a try scorer for Maesteg as they stayed on course for a league and cup double by reaching the SWALEC Plate final at the Millennium Stadium on 8 May with a 31-29 win over Loughor.Â
But the runaway Division 2 South West league leaders were left holding their breath at the death of a classic cup contest when Loughor outside half Ben Davies lined up a conversion kick that could have sent his team through to the finals day next month.Â
Davies was given his shot at fame and glory after wing Scott O’Kelly had followed brother Mark over the Maesteg line in the final minute to make it three tries apiece. But his kick just missed the target and Ellis and co booked their ticket to the Plate final.Â
They will meet Kenfig Hill, of Division 3 South West, in the final after they beat Llantwit Fardre 19-12 thanks to 13 points from the boot of outside half Nicky Giles and a try from No 8 Thomas Maund.Â
The SWALEC Bowl final will be between Abercarn and Trebanos, who both won close semis finals. Abercarn were 22-17 victors over Pontardawe, with outside half Jason Evans scoring 17 points, while Trebanos had a last gasp penalty from Nic Damjanovic, to make it 23 points in the match for the outside half, in their 28-26 triumph over Senghenydd.
SWALEC FINALS DAY, Millennium Stadium, Saturday, 8 May
SWALEC Cup Final
Carmarthen Quins v Llanelli
SWALEC Plate Final
Maesteg v Kenfig Hill
SWALEC Bowl Final
Abercarn v Trebanos
