EBBW Vale have secured a home draw for their Principality Premiership play-off showdown with Gwent rivals Cross Keys after beating Cardiff away with plenty to spare.

The Steelmen cemented second place in the league, witnessed by a bumper crowd, most of them passionate away fans who have enjoyed a memorable first season back after their promotion from the Swalec Championship last year.

Vale had the better of the opening exchanges at the BT Cardiff Arms Park and took the lead in the 13th minute when their Newport Gwent Dragons centre Carl Meyer kicked a monster penalty from just inside his own half.

Stung into action, the Blue and Blacks launched a series of attacks, but they were held out by the Steelmen’s gutsy defence, the first quarter drawing to a close with the visitors 3-0 in the lead.

And Ebbw doubled their advantage in the 26th minute when fly half Iain Smerdon slotted over a straight forward penalty after the hosts infringed at a ruck.

They stretched their lead almost immediately after when Jordan Howells scored a corking unconverted try after backs and forwards combined from open play on the break to put him home, the centre finishing superbly.

The half ended with the Gwent side full value for their 11-0 lead after an entertaining first 40 minutes.

Cardiff started the second half with more purpose but coughed up the ball when they looked to be building momentum.

The home side’s No 8 James Sheekey and Vale tighthead prop Robert Sevenoaks were sin binned in the 48th minute after tempers flared.

A lovely break by Meyer should have resulted in another try for Ebbw, but the chance was missed with men outside him.

A disappointing Cardiff created little and Vale made the game completely safe seven minutes from time when Howells crossed for his second try after the Steelmen exploited an overlap on the blindside for an unconverted touchdown.

Convincing winners Vale will host Keys for that play-off at Eugene Cross Park on Saturday, May 9.

Ebbw Vale scorers: Tries – Howells (29), (73), Penalties – Meyer (13), Smerdon (26).

Argus star men: Jordan Howells and Carl Meyer

Referee: Sean Brickell (Abertillery)