Steelmen in seventh heaven as they claim Gwent derby

EBBW Vale took the spoils in the Gwent derby as they totally outclassed and outplayed Cross Keys at Pandy Park.

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 over their rivals.

Fly-half Rhys Jones kicked things off with an early penalty and that was soon followed by the game’s opening try.

Keys lost possession at a lineout and Ebbw responded quickly to play it across the field for winger Toby Fricker to bag his first touch down since December.

A quick-fire 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 some 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 did get his second after the break with Rhys Clarke and Paul King also going over while Josh Guy, Rory Budina and Carwyn Penny restored some pride for the hosts. Star man Toby Fricker - Ebbw Vale