EBBW Vale three-quarter Toby Fricker, believed to be one the best wings seen at Eugene Cross Park for many a year, grabbed the headlines by scoring a brace of first-half tries to put the Steelmen on the victory trail, writes Geoff Champion.

But it was flanker Lloyd Evans who secured the win with a 70th-minute touchdown, pouncing on a skidding ball after it had been kicked over the Llanelli line.

The win keeps the Steelmen in touch with frontrunners Merthyr, Pontypridd and Cardiff at the top of the Principality Premiership and will give Ebbw added confidence as they go into the Christmas and New Year period.

Ebbw’s other points came from a penalty and conversion from outside-half Rhys Jones.

Llanelli fought hard throughout but their only reward was a try by powerful centre Jonny Lewis converted by fly-half Ioan Hughes.

But what really had the home supporters buzzing was the excellent Fricker, particularly in the first half when conditions were tolerable despite the gusting wind and rain.

Ebbw were seeking to record their fourth consecutive victory having pulled off useful wins over Carmarthen, Bargoed and Cardiff which meant they were sitting in fourth place in the table.

The Steelmen started as favourites because they had chalked up a comprehensive 43-10 bonus-point victory against Llanelli in a league opener at Parc y Scarlets.

The visitors, in contrast, were struggling to stay clear of the relegation zone although they had scored no fewer than 104 points in their last two outings against Bridgend and crisis-hit Neath.

Ebbw kicked off with the wind and rain at their backs.

Impressive wing Fricker was soon in the action, rounding off a smart passing move to cross for an unconverted try in the left corner after just three minutes.

Llanelli gained a foothold inside the home 22 with some sustained forward drives to the home line after gaining good field position.

The hosts were relieved when their opponents conceded a penalty and the danger was averted.

Fricker popped up again in the 17th minute to score his second try after centre Carl Meyer speared a fine pass for him to cross in the corner.

Jones increased the Steelmen’s lead to 13-0 by kicking a long-range penalty but they were reduced to 14 men on the half hour when skipper Ashley Sweet was sent to the sin-bin.

Llanelli took advantage and centre Lewis darted across for a 33rd-minute try which Hughes converted.

The score remained 13-7 at the interval but that Evans try proved to be the real clincher.

Ebbw Vale: D Haymond; D Howells, C Meyer (P King 40), J Botica T Fricker (J Davies 80); R Jones, M Flanagan (D Jones 45); L Garrett (R Jones 72), R Francis (J Franchi 46), R Sevenoaks (C Coleman 45), R Clarke, A Sweet (capt), C Regan, L Evans, L Young (K Parker 66).

Llanelli: T Rogers; R Davies, J Lewis, O Reyland, L Hutchings ( L Randell 69); I Hughes, D Smith; R Thomas ( L Tobias 58), G George (R Cherry 64), R Thomas, J Baker, A Hyndman, J James, N Hart (capt) (J Miles 51), T Phillips.

Scorers, Ebbw Vale – Tries: T Fricker (2), L Evans; Pen: R Jones; Con: R Jones

Llanelli – Try: J Lewis; Con: I Hughes

Argus star man: Toby Fricker