A late Dylan Morgans try for the hosts threatened to spoil the Steelmen’s party, but they showed they have enough resolve to maintain their lead at the summit and potentially go one futther than last season when they were runners-up to Pontypridd.
A first half try from Luke Crocker, and Ronny Kynes’ converted try midway through the second half, were enough for Vale, despite the nervy finale. Nigel Davies’ side haven’t lost in the Premiership since they went down 34-14 to Newport in November.
They pipped the Quins in a tight and scrappy first half. Crocker was the man who touched down for the opening score, but with the conversion missed, the game remained 6-0 to the visitors at the interval.
An impressive, long range Craig Evans penalty cut the deficit for the Quins shortly after the break and that was the cue for the hosts to pile on the pressure. Minutes later, another Evans penalty closed the gap further as Ebbw Vale’s discipline became a problem.
But, into the final quarter, Kynes scored his fourth try in as many games for the visitors’ to make it 14-4. Morgans’ clean break for the Quins resulted in a try, and with Evans on target with the conversion the gap was cut to a mere two points.
Llandovery boosted their top four chances and dented Newport’s with a thrilling 36-24 triumph at Church Bank. The bonus-point triumph moved the west Wales side above their play-off rivals from the east with three matches remaining – though the Black and Ambers still have two games in-hand.
The Drovers got off to a flying start after five minutes when centre Lex Botha burst through the Newport defence to score, and Jack Maynard’s conversion gave the hosts an early 8-0 lead. It got even better for the West Walians when Newport’s Rhodri Jones and Brendan Lampitt both saw yellow in the space of two minutes.
Llandovery went on to drive over for a penalty try, before Botha showed his class once again to sear through and claim a 24-0 advantage. But Lampitt returned with the bit between his teeth and crossed to get his team back into the contest.
However, his score was ruled out by Llandovery’s bonus-point try. Outside-half Maynard found the gap and touched down for a 30-8 half-time advantage. Newport speedster Wes Cunliffe got one back, but the Drovers reasserted their dominance through Matthew Jacobs, and the game was won by the time Jonathan Morris crashed over at the death.
Reigning champions Pontypridd got their Premiership title challenge back on track with a handsome, 46-20 bonus-point victory over bottom side Neath.
There were six tries in all for the home side at Sardis Road with hooker Ashleigh James getting a brace to add to a penalty try and scores from Callum Hall, Tomos Williams and Matthew Nuttall, with debutant fly-half Hall kicking an additional 10 points.
For Neath, Rhys Jones, Joel Ringer and Ieuan Dobbs all got over for tries but the Welsh All Blacks remain without a league win this season. Ponty started sharply with Hall quickly making an impression with his well-taken score before Jones replied for the visitors.
But James’ double, either side of the penalty try, pretty much put the result beyond doubt as Ponty secured the bonus-point before the interval for a 30-6 lead. To their credit Neath showed plenty of resolve after the break and they started the second half with a bang as Ringer burst his way to the line with Luke Price converting.
Williams made his way to the line for Ponty’s fifth try with Dobbs replying for the visitors to give them the edge in second-half scoring. But the hosts had the last word as replacement Nuttall was worked over for the final score of an entertaining contest.
Bridgend Ravens went to the BT Sport Arms Park and emerged with a 38-24 win over Cardiff that included five tries. Outside half Joe Scrivens was the man of the match as he kicked three conversions and inspired at least two of the tries.
Jack Pope, Will Baird, Morgan Jones and Matthew John crossed for the visitors, who also had a penalty try. Cardiff had first-half tries from Luke Ford and Richard Smith and added a consolation effort from James Loxton in the 84th minute.
