RONNY Kynes scored a first-half hat-trick to fire Ebbw Vale to an impressive win over Cardiff in a feisty encounter at the Arms Park, writes Ian Mitchelmore.

The flanker scored three tries inside the opening 36 minutes before two second-half penalty tries ensured Ebbw Vale claimed a bonus-point victory to move level with league leaders Aberavon.

Wing Ceri Young and lock Ben Thomas both scored tries for Cardiff – but it was the visitors who were celebrating after a dominant performance saw them win their 11th league match of the season.

The Steelmen flew out of the traps and forced Cardiff into conceding a pair of penalties.

And after twice opting for touch, Ebbw Vale powered a driving maul over the try-line – with flanker Kynes scoring.

Nigel Davies’ men continued to dominate as Cardiff’s penalty count escalated – and in identical fashion to the opening try, the Ebbw Vale pack dominated a rolling maul to allow Kynes to score again.

But The Steelmen were dealt a blow on 26 minutes as wing David Williams was yellow carded for tackling Cardiff number eight Joe Gaughan in the air.

And the hosts took advantage as wing Young raced through to score Cardiff’s first try – which fly-half James Thomas converted.

Once again the visitors found touch from a penalty and Kynes crashed over for his third driving maul try to complete a stunning first-half hat-trick as Ebbw Vale led 18-8 at the break.

It proved to be the same story after the restart as Ebbw Vale’s pack continued to dominate – and they sealed the bonus point with a powerful scrum on 51 minutes that resulted in a penalty try.

Cardiff reduced the deficit with a touch down from lock Ben Thomas.

But it was Ebbw Vale’s night as they were awarded another penalty try late on to ensure they move up to joint first in the Principality Premiership standings.

Cardiff: Tries: C Young 32, B Thomas 58; Con: J Thomas 33

Ebbw Vale: Tries: R Kynes 10, 22, 36, Pen Try 51, Pen Try 78

Star man: Ronny Kynes