Carmarthen Quins 61 Bridgend Athletic 6

After a slow start the rampant Quins exposed the huge gulf in class as they swept aside the gallant Athletic to march into the Swalec Cup quarter-finals.

Flanker Ellis Lloyd bagged a hat-trick for the Premiership leaders.

 Photos courtesy of AlfiePics

 Athletic, raced into a 6-0 lead at Carmarthen Park thanks to two Steven Lewis penalties, but any hopes of a famous victory were quashed as the Premiership leaders turned on the style.

Sitting proudly at the summit of the Premiership, Quins slipped behind to two early Steve Lewis penalties but soon took charge with the outgunned Championship visitors blitzed by a nine-try spree.

Although the Athletic were competitive, they were no match for the big pre-match favourites who ensured the form book held true with a devastating display of forward power and clinical finishing.

Winger Ellis Phillips tests the Athletic defence

The Quins have a mission to go one better than last year’s semi -final stage and clinch the top prize of a cup and championship double. On the evidence of this powerful performance it will take a good side to deny the West Wales outfit who coasted after building a 26-6 interval lead.

Flanker Ellis Lloyd led the way with a fine hat-trick of tries, including a second half brace with fellow back rower Luke Joseph and hooker Ryan Elias also crossing for first half touchdowns.

Athletic attempted to run the ball at every opportunity

Craig Evans pulled the strings from fly half and converted eight of the nine touchdowns as Connor Lloyd, Gareth Thomas, Jason Harries and Rhys Williams also crossed to complete the Athletic’s misery.