INDIGO PREMIERSHIP REVIEW
EBBW Vale now need just one more point from their remaining three Indigo Premiership fixtures to cement a play-off place.
That is after the Steelmen bagged five more points at St Helen’s yesterday as they ran in four tries to defeat Swansea 24-17.
The visitors were 17-10 to the good at half time, courtesy of tries from right wing Ewan Bowden, lock Dylan Bartlett, converted by Evan Lloyd, and outside centre Ethan Phillips.
Swansea wing Llien Morgan scored his side’s first half try. Luke Scully converted and also sent over a penalty.
Centre Tom Florence scored again for the Whites in the second half, converted by
Scully, to level it up but left wing Ryan Gardner’s try ensured
Ebbw returned to Gwent with maximum points. Lloyd added the extras.
The win takes Ebbw on to 76 points with Cardiff now on 68.
Cardiff tightened their grip on fourth spot after they came from behind to win 28-13 with a bonus point at Aberavon to make it three league wins on the bounce.
James Davies kicked two penalties inside the opening quarter at the Talbot Athletic Ground to put the Wizards ahead. That lead was extended further when Scott Delveno broke through the visiting defence and his offload sent Joe Gage through for a try which was converted to put the home side 13-0 up.
However Cardiff hit back with a try either side of the break from Dewi Cross, both converted by Arwel Robson, to put the Blue and Blacks into the lead – and they didn’t look back.
Alun Rees was over for their third converted try on 62 minutes with the bonus point secured in the closing moments of the match with Arron
Pinches’ try which Robson again improved.
Cardiff have two matches remaining. However that result, coupled with a 22-20 defeat at Carmarthen Quins, means it’s the end of the road for Pontypridd in terms of the play-offs.
Outside half Charlie Titcombe sent over five penalties for the west Walians as well as converting a first half try to consign Pontypridd to their first loss under interim head coach Chris Dicomidis and also end any faint hopes they had of snatching fourth.
Pontypridd actually outscored the Quins three tries to one on the day with centre Ryan Wilkins scoring twice in the second half adding to second row Mitch Barnard’s first half try, converted by Ben Burnell – who also kicked a penalty.
It meant Pontypridd had to settle for a losing bonus point and this defeat leaves them 10 points back on Cardiff with just one match to play.
The race is still very much on though for Pontypool and Merthyr – who both have two games in hand on Cardiff and enjoyed bonus-point home wins yesterday. Pooler ran in five tries on their way to a 39-14 victory against Bridgend Ravens at Pontypool Park.
Meanwhile only a point further back are Merthyr – who warmed up for next Sunday’s WRU Premiership Cup final showdown with Llandovery by recording a 31-27 victory over RGC at the Wern.