Vale prove a point as they bounce back to winning ways

NORMAL service was resumed for Ebbw Vale as they took the spoils in the Gwent Valleys derby by outclassing Cross Keys.

The Steelmen would have been expecting a tough test but managed to run in seven tries — four before the break — to secure a routine victory.

“We came to Pandy Park on the back of two losses so more than anything we wanted to prove a point to ourselves,” said coach Lewis Roberts, who was filling in for Greg Woods, who missed the match due to work commitments.

“The boys are a very tight bunch, we pride ourselves on playing for the badge and the town we represent and I think the boys have done that all season.

“It was more about proving to ourselves that we are not a bad team.”

Fly-half Rhys Jones landed an early penalty and that was soon followed by the game’s opening try. Keys lost possession at a line-out and Ebbw responded, moving it across the field for winger Toby Fricker to bag his first touchdown since December.

A quickfire second, this time from Joe Franchi, put Ebbw in full control.

Jones added both conversions and almost followed that up with a stunning solo try. He collected his perfectly weighted chip forward and darted towards the try line but was brought down before he could reach it. However, Owen Young was in support and finished off the move.

Cross Keys were desperate to get points on the board and flooded forward in the final stages of the half, but that only played into Ebbw’s hands as Young caught them on the break before playing in Dai Jones.

Young got his second after the break, with Rhys Clarke and Paul King also going over. Josh Guy, Rory Budina and Carwyn Penny restored pride for the hosts.

– Tries: J Guy, R Budina, C Penny; Con: I Burgwin.

– Tries: T Fricker, J Franchi, O Young (2), D Jones, R Clarke, P King; Cons: R Jones (5); Pen: R Jones.