DEFENDING Principality Premiership champions Ebbw Vale put up a gallant fight at Eugene Cross Park against a battling Bedwas side in the first of their Tier One matches since the mid-season split of the League, writes Geoff Champion.

It was Bedwas outside half Richard Powell who broke their hearts with an immaculate display of goal-kicking to blast over five penalties and enable his spirited side to clinch a precious away win .

The visitors fought a classic rear-guard action and tackled like demons with Joe Davies putting in an outstanding display at lock while Powel once again what a fine marksman he is with three of his penalties from a distance of more than 40 metres..

Ebbw Vale scored the only tries of the match through irrepressible flanker Ronny Kynes and replacement forward Jack Goodey. Outside half Josh Lewis kicked a conversion but he generally had an off day with the boot and that was to prove to be the main difference between the sides.

Vale battled hard to get back on terms in the final stages but Bedwas refused to give way despite enjoying very little possession.

Bot sets of supporters had been looking forward to this clash because Ebbw Vale were getting down to the business end of defending their title while Bedwas had enjoyed a very successful first part of the season finishing second in the table before it split. The visitors edged the previous meeting between the sides 23-22 at the Bridge Field on Boxing Day.

Flanker Rhys Clarke was making his 100th appearance for the Steelmen. The teams observed a minute’s silence before the kick-off in memory of former Ebbw Vale second row forward Mark Dicks who died suddenly at the age of 53.

Vale went on the attack from the start but stern defence by Bedwas kept them at bay. Josh Lewis had a chance to put the home side ahead in the ninth minute but his long-distance penalty attempt was unsuccessful. Four minutes later, Powell stepped up to give Bedwas the lead with a 42 metres angled penalty goal. The game became scrappy as both teams struggled to control the greasy ball in the heavy conditions while Vale’s normally smooth lineout was not working as efficiently as they would have wished. But a short lineout near the Bedwas line finally produced dividends for Damien Hudd and his men as a rolling maul ended with Kynes grabbing a try converted by Josh Lewis.

Powell made the interval score 7-6 with a fine 46 metres penalty for the visitors.

Scorers:

Ebbw Vale: Tries – R Kynes and J Goodey Con – Josh Lewis Bedwas: Pens – R Powell (5)

Ebbw Vale: D Haymond; N Preece, G Maule, D Franchi, James Lewis; Josh Lewis, D Jones (R Lewis 54); I George (R Jones 45) , J Franchi (J Bowen 45), R Sevenoaks (G Robinson 45), D Hudd, capt. (J Davies 50), J Bartlett (J Goodey 64), R Clarke, R Kynes and C Regan.

Bedwas: A Bramwell; R Budina, A Williams, M Callow, M John; R Powell, N Griffiths, capt. (T Rowlands 70); D Preece (B Toms 64), A Lewis (R Hutcherson 64), M Pettit (C Budgeon 64), J Davies, G Edmunds (R Verley 73), J Richards, G Lee and A Waite.

Referee: Mr Aled Evans ((WRU)

Man of Match: Richard Powell ( Bedwas).

Ebbw Vale star Ronny Kynes.