EBBW Vale produced a thrilling second-half fightback against Aberavon but fell just short in the end at Eugene Cross Park, writes Jay Bayford.

The Wizards led 27-0 at one point but the Steelmen threatened to comeback, however, they left themselves too much to do.

The visitors made a fast start as Frankie Jones grabbed his second try in as many games, having only made his debut on Saturday. Full-back Chris Banfield added the conversion.

The Steelmen’s usual powerful presence wasn’t being felt as the hosts produced weak tackles, and even missed them, with alarming frequency.

And winger Jones took advantage as he ran through a tight crowd of Ebbw players, in his own half, before finally setting up Joe Thomas for a simple touchdown.

The game was then halted after Aberavon’s James Ratti picked up a serious injury and required lengthy treatment.

He eventually left the field on a stretcher but the incident didn’t disrupt the Wizards’ rhythm as, within minutes of his departure, they extended their lead through a long-range Banfield penalty.

The visitors weren’t done there as they continued to twist and turn the Ebbw defence before Baker was given a free run to the try line.

And Jason Hyatt’s men played Ebbw at their own game as they overpowered them at a lineout with Luke Davies sneaking through to claim the bonus point.

Lewis Young did pull a try back for Ebbw on the stroke of half time.

The Steelmen improved dramatically in the second half and even though errors continued to appear, Stef Thomas added to their tally with a try in the corner.

Thomas was at it again 10 minutes later and Lewis Dennett’s conversion closed the gap to eight points.

Banfield added another three points to Aberavon’s tally but Ebbw refused to lie down and their efforts were rewarded with a penalty try on 70 minutes, with Joe Tomalin-Reeves and Ben Thomas both receiving yellow cards.

Ebbw then threw everything at the Wizards in a frantic finale but they couldn’t find another way through.

Ebbw Vale: Tries: L Young, S Thomas (2), Pen Try; Con: L Dennett (2)

Aberavon: Tries: F Jones, J Thomas, J Baker, L Davies; Con: C Banfield (2); Pens: C Banfield (2).