A second-half try by winger Elliot Jones clinched the points for the Welsh All Blacks and made all the difference in separating the two teams whose outside-halves David Langdon and Jack Maynard landed four penalties apiece.
It was a never-say-die effort by a Neath side who again showed commendable spirit in adversity after centre John Leyshon was sin-binned while Quins escaped a similar penalty on at least two clear occasions.
Strangely, Leyshon’s dismissal seemed to spur Neath on to greater efforts and the forwards, backed up by an eager Chris Morgans at their heels, really took control in the final quarter.
Before kick-off, Neath suffered yet another blow in an injury-strewn season when Aaron Bramwell fell in the warm up. Kyle Davies switched to full back and the Seven Sisters product acquitted himself well as the Welsh All Blacks showed refreshing attacking intent from the start and looked the more likely team to score.
Up front, Rhodri Clancy was lively at hooker and his throwing in to Rhys Jones, Jonny Griffiths and Leon Ward was spot on while props Nicky Downs and Marc Jones worked hard throughout.
Acting-captain Lee Evans set an outstanding example in the back row where young Steffan Jones, on permit from Ystalyfera, made a big impression and looked an All Black in the making. Between them, they repeatedly got Neath rolling forward in the quest for a second league double of the season.
Again, Neath finished the game stronger and it appears all the hard work being done in training under conditioning coach Will Rees is beginning to pay dividends.
Quins relied heavily on the boot of Maynard or used powerful centre Rheon James on the crash where he was blocked by good Neath defence.
Quins rarely threatened the Neath try line as they struggled to sustain any possession and suffered the indignity of a second narrow home defeat on successive Fridays.
