EBBW Vale forwards coach Duane Goodfield praised his pack for laying the foundations of his side’s stunning bonus point win over Cardiff at Eugene Cross Park.

And he singled out man of the match, blindside flanker Cameron Regan as producing a performance worthy of a professional player.

The second placed Steelmen’s encounter with the fourth placed Blue and Blacks was billed as a top of the table clash which was likely to go the distance.

But the outcome of this one was never in doubt as Ebbw bossed the game from the off to destroy the capital city side and outscore them six tries to two.

Their bonus point triumph means Vale are now just four behind Principality Premiership leaders and reigning champions Pontypridd, although the Sardis Road side do have a game in hand.

Although Steelmen’s forwards dominated this open and enjoyable encounter, the hosts’ backs also got in on the act to produce some fine flowing rugby.

While the glamour boys behind scored two excellent tries through full back Dan Haymond and replacement wing Wes Cunliffe, the forwards bagged four between them.

With their driving lineout irresistible, the war was won in the trenches with both props, tighthead Gethin Robinson and loosehead John Lavender, crossing for first half scores as the sides turned around at the interval with Vale 17-6 up.

There was no respite in the second half for the shell-shocked visitors, the onslaught continuing with majestic lock and captain Damien Hudd and openside flanker Ronny Kynes getting over the whitewash with outside half Iain Smerdon kicking three conversions in total.

Former Newport Gwent Dragons hooker Goodfield saluted his men for their emphatic win.

“That was a fantastic performance by the team and a huge one from the forwards,” he said.

“We haven’t played with that level of consistency since the league programme was disrupted by Wales’ autumn internationals in November.

“I thought Spencer Gibson (number eight) had a great game but Cameron was the best player on the field.

“He was tremendous at the breakdown and with ball in hand – it was a performance of a professional standard.

“That was a very good Cardiff side we played with some fine players – you only have to look at their back row with Jevon Groves and Jonathon Edwards having played regional rugby with James Sheekey a decent number eight as well.

Goodfield added: “We showed great composure to come away with points every time we threatened and we controlled the game so well.

“But we have another massive challenge facing us on Saturday with Carmarthen Quins to come.”

Vale head coach Jason Strange emphasised how vital it had been for his side to make sure the new year started well: “It was important for us to get 2015 off to a great start, especially with a big crowd here (1,500) and the team’s commitment was never in question.

“I was also delighted we attacked as a team. That Wes Cunliffe try was one of the best team tries you are ever likely to see.”

Although outgunned, Cardiff never gave up.

They were limited however to two first half penalties by ex-Cross Keys man, outside half Dean Gunter.

In the second 40 minutes they scored two late consolation tries through centre Jack Phillips and replacement winger Harry Davies, Gunter converting the last conversion five minutes from time.

Ebbw Vale: Dan Haymond, Nathan Preece, Carl Meyer (Tom Hiscock 68), Adam Jones (Josh Jacas 68), Tom James (Wes Cunliffe 41), Iain Smerdon, Rhys Downes (Chris Thomas 62); John Lavender (Ross Jones 53), Rhys Francis (Jonathan Bowen 61), Gethin Robinson (Rob Sevenoaks 53); Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Cameron Regan, Ronny Kynes, Spencer Gibson (Rhys Clarke 58).

Ebbw Vale scorers: Tries – Gethin Robinson (9) Dan Haymond (20), John Lavender (36), Damien Hudd (49), Ronny Kynes (57), Wes Cunliffe (68), Conversions – Iain Smerdon (36), (57), (68).

Cardiff : Will Thomas (James Loxton 55), Chris Knight (Harry Davies 41), Jack Phillips, Shaun Powell, Ceri Young, Dean Gunter, Mike Hale (Tom Slater 67), Lewis Smout (Joe Jones 59), Ethan Lewis (Rob Lewis 63), Bruce Douglas (Aaron Fowler 59), Craig Lodge, Nick White (James Murphy,63) Jevon Groves, Jonathan Edwards (capt), James Sheekey (Ben Roach 57).

Cardiff scorers: Tries – Jack Phillips (66), Harry Davies (75), Conversion – Dean Gunter (75), Penalties – Dean Gunter (14) (22).

Referee: Wayne Davies (WRU).

Argus star man: Cameron Regan