Ebbw have answers as Pontypridd apply late pressure

EBBW Vale kept themselves in the hunt at the top after edging out Pontypridd at Eugene Cross Park.

It was the Steelmen, having weathered the early storm, who scored from their first real foray into the visitors’ 22.

The try was scored by hooker Joe Franchi, who powered his way over on 11 minutes following a lineout. Rhys Jones booted the extras.

Veteran Ceri Sweeney and Jones then traded penalties before the break, with Ebbw leading 10-3.

But it was back-to-back penalties given away by Ebbw within moments of the re-start that handed the ascendancy back to Ponty.

Two Sweeney kicks pulled Pontypridd back to within a point at 10-9. Ebbw needed a response and, to their credit, they provided one on 52 minutes.

It came from another set piece and this time it was captain Ashley Sweet on the end of the maul, before another top-quality conversion from Jones. Back came Pontypridd with a try on 57 minutes.

Sweeney picked up the ball froma scrum and sent centre Gary Williams darting over, with Sweeney converting.

It meant once again there was just a point in it as the game entered the final quarter.

By now, Ponty were really starting to ramp up the intensity and ask questions of Ebbw’s defence – which they answered.