Baker at the double as Wizards put a spell on Steelmen

ABERAVON fired a serious message of intent in their ambitions to take the Premiership title with a bonus-point win over the defending champions.

Jay Baker scored twice while Luke Joseph and Joe Tomalin-Reeves also crossed to claim a bonuspoint win at the Talbot Athletic Ground.

David Langdon scored a try amid 12 points but that could not save the Steelmen from a fourth league defeat of the season.

It looked to be a different story when fly-half Langdon finished some powerful work from the Ebbw Vale forwards, who dominated the scrums, from close range.

Aberavon responded inkind as Rheon James and Rowan Jenkins both went close to the line before flanker Joseph finally found a way over on 21 minutes

The Wizards then took the lead just moments later from the re-start when wing Baker pounced on a careless touch, kicking forward and easily winning the foot-race to score.

James Garland converted and traded penalties with Langdon for a 17-10 lead at half-time.

Garland nudged the Wizards further ahead with a second penalty before Baker sprung off his wing and straight through the Ebbw Vale defence to put the hosts in control.

Tomalin-Reeves then finished a barnstorming break from No.8 Chris Davies for the bonus before the Ebbw Vale scrum yielded a late penalty try.