Principality Premiership

Ebbw Vale……27

RGC 1404 ………26

EBBW Vale ensured they remain in the title race by battling back from a sixpoint deficit to secure an impressive win over their north Walian visitors.

Having charged into a 17-5 interval lead, Vale looked to be on course for another win.

But RGC hit back with three second-half tries to grab the lead.

In the end, though, it was the power of the home pack, who shunted the RGC eight off their own ball at a scrum five metres out, and a try from Cameron Regan that turned the game.

RGC took the lead with a classic centre try from Danny Cross, but by the break a try out wide by full-back Dan Haymond and a brilliant support play score from flanker Lloyd Evans gave Ebbw 17 unanswered points up to half-time.

Billy McBryde gave RGC a great start to the second half with a try from five metres out.

Then two tries in as many minutes from wing Harri Evans and full-back Dion Jones gave the Gogs that six-point lead, before Regan’s remarkable rescue mission clinched it.

Star man

Lloyd Evans – Ebbw Vale

Pontypridd ….43

Aberavon ……….7

PONTYPRIDD maintained the pressure on champions Merthyr after they were given a comfortable ride by a below-par Aberavon at Sardis Road.

Ceri Sweeney booted the hosts in front before they grabbed the first try of the match on 19 minutes.

It was a fine solo effort from Dale Stuckey – on his 100th appearance – who showed great footwork to go past what the Aberavon defence, Sweeney taking care of the conversion.

Ponty extended their lead in the 28th minute with their second try, this time scored by Sweeney who, despite turning 39 later this month, showed he has still got it with a right-foot step and a burst of pace to touch down.

The home side’s lead was extended to 22-0 by the break as Kieran Assaratti touched down.

The bonus point was secured on 53 minutes for Pontypridd after a penalty try.

Despite looking short of ideas for most of the match, the visitors scored ten minutes from time scored through Rhodri Cole, before late tries from Gab Davies and Stuckey.

Star man

Dale Stuckey – Pontypridd