PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP EAST

EBBW VALE ................. 33 BEDWAS ....................... 17

OUTSIDE-HALF Dorian Jones spearheaded an impressive victory for the Steelmen by marshalling his forces in fine style behind the scrum and kicking four penalty goals and three conversions for a personal tally of 18 points.

Centre Dai Langdon also caught the eye, grabbing a brace of first-half tries, while clever fullback Dan Haymond nipped over for a third touchdown.

But Vale had three players sent to the sin bin in the closing minutes – hooker Rhys Francis, Dorian Jones and lock Lance Randall – as off-colour Bedwas tried to stage a late rally.

Hooker Dale Rogers and replacement back Adam Williams scored the Bedwas tries while outside-half Steffan Jones converted both and kicked a penalty goal.

Struggling Vale had been boosted by the news experienced Cross Keys head coach Greg Woods would be taking up a similar role at Eugene Cross Park in January.

But the Steelmen had more pressing matters to deal with in this final round of matches before the East and West sections merge.

They were determined to halt a run of five defeats by turning the tables on buoyant Bedwas, who coasted to a 54-5 home win when the sides last met in October.

In contrast, Bedwas were hoping to continue a winning run having lowered the colours of Bargoed, Cross Keys and Cardiff before the three-week lay-off.

Ebbw Vale made a bright start and took the lead in the fifth minute when centre Langdon pounced for a try following a neat chip ahead by inside half Dai Jones, which Dorian Jones converted.

The Steelmen doubled their lead in the 17th minute when full-back Haymond crossed for a touchdown after a strong burst by flanker Regan. Steffan Jones converted.

As the eventful half drew to a close, Dorian Jones kicked two penalties for Vale before Steffan Jones added a penalty for the visitors.

But Bedwas kept up the pressure and they closed the gap further when replacement back Adam Williams exploited a home defensive error to cut inside for a try, converted by Steffan Jones.

Back came Vale, playing with far more intensity than of late, with a second Langdon try which Dorian Jones converted to give them a 27-17 interval lead.

Both sides battled for supremacy in the second half, but Dorian Jones ensured his men stayed ahead with two more penalties.