TWO tries from Hereford lock Gareth Jones helped North Midlands Under-20's reach the quarter-finals of the National Under-20 Championship following a comfortable 27-5 win over Notts, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.

Jones' scores came in a nine-minute period just before half time, which established North Midlands' lead.

Luctonians fly-half Tom Jones converted the second try and added a penalty to stretch their advantage to 15 points.

Notts, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire, who were beaten by Eastern Counties in their opening pool match, were lively on the break and North Midlands had to be solid in defence, especially when Bridgnorth centre Red Parker was sin-binned.

But North Midlands sealed the victory when flanker Josh Gain, of Silhillians, rumbled over on the blindside after a driving maul from a line-out.

Replacement wing Henry Martin, who plays for Harper Adams University, then crossed over for the fourth try after he dribbled ahead to beat the cover defence.

Tom Jones added the conversion.

Notts, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire did manage a consolation try before the end, but it was too little too late.

The North Midlands squad also featured Hereford's Rhys Roberts, Luctonians' John Kelly and Peter Dixon of Ledbury.

They will now travel to play Eastern Counties in Peterborough on January 25 to determine who will have home advantage in the last eight.