The Quins got off to a flying start after a run from Ben Leung saw him cross for the only first-half try. Soon into the second half, Steffan Marshall kicked his side into a 10-point lead but RGC responded when a rolling maul resulted in a try by Brodie Coghlan at the back of the pack.
Carmarthen extended their lead ten minutes later when Torin Myhill crashed over the line from another rolling maul. The North Walians fought back once again when Afon Bagshaw saw a gap and ran in to score to earn a losing bonus point for RGC.
Interest was high in the clash between the two sides that had headed the Premiership Cup conferences – Llandovery from the West and Newport from the East. It was the East that took the honours in a rousing game that saw Newport turn a 17-3 deficit into a fine victory thanks to 24 unanswered points in the second half.
The Drovers took the lead through Lloyd Pike and play was even before Newport were hit by two tries in as many minutes, The first was scored by Osian Davies and the second by wing Tomi Lewis.
Down 17-3, Newport went on to score four tries thanks to their dominance up front with all action hooker Will Griffiths grabbing two from close range to add to ones from wing Eliot Frewen and centre Cameron Lewis.
This late flurry sealed a memorable win for the Black and Ambers. Elsewhere, Dale McIntosh’s Merthyr earned a frenetic 32-15 win away to Swansea.
The hosts scored first through Tom Sloane but that was soon cancelled out by Merthyr’s Rhys Williams. Captain Jon Fox then regained the lead for Swansea. Before half-time, Justin James squeezed over for Merthyr to level the match in an all action first-half.
Gareth Thompson then scored a three pointer for Merthyr before Williams score his second of the day. Kieran Charles then handed Swansea a lifeline before Jarrod Cushion sealed a bonus point win for the away side.
Aberavon’s Chris Banfield delivered a controlled performance to ensure his side left Pontypridd’s Sardis Road with a 25-16 win. Aberavon opened the scoring with a penalty try before Ponty’s Cally James levelled up. Banfield then kicked a penalty and scored a try to put Aberavon in charge.
The Wizards backed this up in the second period with an Andrew Waite try, whilst Ponty’s only second half points came from Jake Lloyd penalties. The second half ultimately proved to be the difference between the two sides.
The other game of the weekend saw, Llanelli claim their first win of the season with a 26-14 win over Bridgend Ravens. Sam O’Connor, Nathan Hart and Rhodri Jones all scored to give Llanelli a 19-0 lead at the break.
Bridgend were better in the second half as Caine Woolerton bagged a brace but Llanelli’s Hart also scored a second to give Llanelli a routine win.
