EBBW Vale fell to a second defeat in eight games as they were beaten by Principality Premiership title hopefuls Carmarthen Quins at The Park, writes Jay Bayford.

The Steelmen made a strong start but it was Quins who opened the scoring when centre Josh Batcup went over with full-back Aled Thomas adding the extras.

Ebbw fly-half Lewis Dennett reduced the deficit a few minutes later with a penalty but Quins then pulled away.

Thomas added another three points to his tally with a penalty before winger Morgan Griffiths went over in the corner for his fifth try of the season, with Thomas adding the extras to make him Quins’ highest point scorer of the season.

A second Dennett penalty kept Ebbw in the game and they enjoyed a sustained spell of pressure in the latter stages of the first half but Quins’ defence remained defiant and held firm to keep Greg Woods’ men at bay.

And in the final seconds of the half, quick passing and fantastic movement on the left wing allowed Griffiths to grab his second try of the game and put the Quins in full control. Thomas, once again, booted the conversion.

The Steelmen fell further behind early in the second half when Jac Wilson delivered the bonus point for the hosts after Griffiths’ kick forward, although the winger was eyeing a hat-trick until he was blocked off at the vital moment.

Ebbw responded immediately with centre Dom Franchi going over and Dennett kicking the rest.

The game became a physical battle in the middle of the field but Quins still managed to add to their lead as Batcup squeezed the ball over in the corner.

Toby Fricker and Kristian Parker both touched down in the last five minutes for Ebbw after Wilson was sent to the sin bin but the visitors ran out of time to catch Quins.

Carmarthen Quins: Tries: J Batcup (2), M Griffiths (2), J Wilson; Cons: A Thomas (3); Pen: A Thomas.

Ebbw Vale: Tries: D Franchi, T Fricker, K Parker; Con: L Dennett; Pens: L Dennett (2).