On a bitterly cold afternoon in Blaenau Gwent where winter had arrived, Ebbw Vale recorded a comprehensive victory, as comfortable as you could expect in the Premiership, over a disappointing Swansea side, who threatened more than they could deliver.
In fairness the first half was relatively even, with the home side's power pack contrasting with the speed and slick handling of the Whites' backs.
Following early exchanges of possession, the Steelmen kicked a penalty to the corner and, in the now time-honoured fashion, rolled towards the visitors' line after a lineout. The maul went down but Curtis Gregory was on hand to pick and drive over the line. Keiran Meek converted. After Swansea pressure was repelled, a repeat Ebbw catch and drive yielded a full lineout and maul with captain Rhys Francis burrowing over to make it 12-0.
Swansea struck back with some good skills giving Morgan Rees the opportunity to cross the home line, with former Ebbw favourite Rhys Jones adding the extras.
The sides went in a half time 15-7, due to Meek adding a penalty on the stroke of the interval, with Ebbw on top but the game not won.
The second half saw the home pack take total control. Following concerted pressure, home prop Harry Drane went over, duly converted.
More Steelmen pack power led to a penalty try to give Ebbw the bonus point.
The final try from the Vale was the afternoon's highlight. A loose kick from Swansea was taken by Evan Lloyd who passed to fellow sub Owen Conquer who then went on a storming run into the Swansea half shedding tacklers as he went. With maturity beyond his eighteen years, he offloaded to the supporting Jonathan Evans for an outstanding score, warming the hands of the freezing faithful on the steps of the bank.
These 21 unanswered second half points gave a final score of 36-7 to the Steelmen, who keep up the pressure at the top end of the table.
