Iolo Evans crossed for two of the Quins’ four tries as they ensured the Drovers cannot now overtake them. The two teams had drawn 22-22 in their first round meeting at Church Bank and with three wins and two draws with a game left to play the Quins have an eight point cushion.
Llanelli had beaten Neath 22-20 at The Gnoll earlier in the week in the same Pool, while in Pool 2 there was a second win in the space of five days for Cardiff as they backed up their 28-12 win at Aberavon last weekend with a 26-22 home win over Bridgend.
Cross Keys gave Ebbw Vale a fright at Eugene Cross Park in Pool 3 as they staged a major fightback before eventually succumbing 28-20. The Steelmen raced into a 14-0 lead with tries from Nathan Preece and Dawid Rubasniak, but a try from scrum half James Leadbetter, converted by Lewys Montague, in first-half injury time cut the gap.
Then home hooker Joe Franchi received a second yellow card to leave his side a man short for the final 35 minutes. Keys took their chance with tries from Adam Powell and Phil Williams to move into a 20-14 lead.
But Ebbw battled back and a penalty try after a series of dominant five metre scrums took them back in front. Then Jared Rosser completed the comeback, and ensured victory, with the final try to lift his side one point ahead of Bedwas, who have two games in hand.
This weekend there are two games due to be played in the Foster’s Challenge Cup. Pontypridd host Aberavon in Pool 2 and Bedwas entertain Newport.Â
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