EBBW Vale's return to Welsh rugby's Premiership after a gap of four seasons could hardly have been a better advertisement for the game in Gwent.

Joining Newport, Cross Keys and Bedwas in the country's top tier of club rugby, on Saturday Vale faced a tough opener, at home to a Llandovery side who narrowly missed out the Premiership's play-offs last season.

In an emotional build-up to the match, there was a minute's silence to former player Lee Banks, who died earlier this year, while in use for the first time was the Clive Burgess Terrace, named in honour of the former Ebbw Vale and Wales star of the 1970s.

Then it was down to business for the two sides, who produced a thrilling game of rugby.

Llandovery's fast-breaking three-quarters helped the visitors to a substantial first-half lead, but Vale's powerful forwards paved the way to an exciting second-half comeback and the Steelmen eventually emerged 30-29 victors and pocketed a bonus point in the process.

"A fantastic battle between two good sides and a superb advert for the Premiership," was the verdict of Ebbw Vale head coach Jason Strange.

We echo those sentiments, and would add that it's great to have north Gwent represented in the Premiership once again by such a strong side. Already we are looking forward to this season's Gwent derby clashes.