Carmarthen Quins became only the 13th team to reach the SWALEC Cup final in the 39 year history of the tournament as they ran in six tries to blast Pontypridd out of the competition at the semi-final stage.
The ‘Mighty Quins’ romped home 41-12 to make it two wins out of three against Paul John’s side this season and set up a final clash with the winners of the second semi-final today between Cardiff and Llanelli.
Wings Jamie Davies and Richard Carter, as well as centre Andrew Banfield, all crossed for a brace of tries as Ponty were blown apart in the sun at the Brewery Field, Bridgend.
The only response from Pontypridd came in the shape of a try by Wales Under 20 scrum half Rhys Downes and wing Lewis Williams.
Veteran scrum half Kevin Ellis was a try scorer for Maesteg as they stayed on course for a league and cup double by reaching the SWALEC Plate final at the Millennium Stadium on 8 May with a 31-29 win over Loughor.
But the runaway Division 2 South West league leaders were left holding their breath at the death of a classic cup contest when Loughor outside half Ben Davies lined up a conversion kick that could have sent his team through to the SWALEC finals day next month.
Davies was given his shot at fame and glory after wing Scott O’Kelly had followed brother mark over the Maesteg line in the final minute to make it three tries apiece. But his kick just missed the target and Ellis and co booked their ticket to the Plate final.
They will meet Kenfig Hill, of Division 3 South West, in the final after they beat Llantwit Fardre 19-12 thanks to 13 points from the boot of outside half Nicky Giles and a try from No 8 Thomas Maund.
The SWALEC Bowl final will be between Abercarn and Trebanos, who both won close semis finals. Abercarn were 22-17 victors over Pontardawe, with outside half Jason Evans scoring 17 points, while Trebanos had a last gasp penalty from Nic Damjanovic, to make it 23 points in the match for the outside half, in their 28-26 triumph over Senghenydd.
