Ebbw Vale secured a comfortable bonus point victory over a plucky Tondu outfit largely due to a much better display after the half time break.
A deluge of rain at just about 2.15 ensured that the game began in terrible conditions and many supporters took refuge in the stand (moi) or in the magic tent at the bottom of the bank.
Ebbw started well and, despite many changes from the previous week's encounter with Pontypool, dominated the opening 10 minutes with forward drives and rolling mauls. Unfortunately they only had an 8-6 lead to show for their efforts after half an hour as Tondu responded well to the conditions.
A charge down effort just before the break ensured Ebbw would go in 15-6 up but scarcely deserved it - the score was harsh on Tondu.
The 2nd half was a different story, both weather wise (I moved back over to the bank) as the sun came out, and in terms of Ebbw's forward power, as the boys ran in another 4 tries.
There were several changes in the pack, and so they took a while to settle, but there were several good shows. Rhys Hodge, catching above, was excellent.
As the pics show, Vale dominated the half as Tondu tired. Nonetheless, the visitors rallied well late on and probably deserved a try. Ebbw's defence held firm nonetheless.
Behind the scrum we're probably not where we were last year. Those guys were Premier Division backs, this year's probably not, but they're improving and God help the rest when we do click!
It's all looking good for Ebbw however, especially with Pontypool, Newbridge and Bargoed all losing. The boys just need to keep winning and we'll be back in the Premiership soon enough...back where we belong. Here's the table:
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