EBBW VALE saw their Principality Premiership title defence suffer a setback at the Talbot Athletic Ground after a fine Jay Baker double helped league leaders Aberavon to a convincing victory, writes Tom Coleman.

Dai Langdon’s try and conversion put the visitors in front during an otherwise even opening 20 minutes, before two converted tries in three minutes from Luke Joseph and Baker put the hosts in control.

Langdon kicked over another penalty, while Wizards fly-half James Garland earned three points either side of half-time, before Baker earned his second try of the game with a superb solo effort.

Joe Tomalin-Reeves added another converted touchdown, before Vale hit back with a penalty try, but it was otherwise an evening to forget for the visitors, who struggled to reach their trademark best.

The hosts began brightly, but were kept at bay due to some sloppy handling and some strong defensive work from Vale, who once again looked to exploit the set-plays during a tightly contested first half.

Vale’s scrum once again looked impressive, and was the catalyst for the opening try, with a set-piece five metres from the line allowing Langdon to find space on the left to touch down, before dusting himself off to convert.

But Aberavon fought back with two quick-fire tries. First Luke Joseph powered through the defence to cross the line for a converted score, before a bizarre error on the right allowed Jay Baker to pounce on a loose ball and race over for another seconds after the restart, despite Vale protests over a suspected knock-on.

Langdon and Garland exchanged penalties, with the latter adding another three points just after the break.

The second half was then brought to life in magnificent style, as Baker sprinted from the halfway line to meander his way through the defence and over the line.

Another fine move saw Tomalin-Reeves penetrate the heart of the Vale defence once more for a converted try to hand the hosts a potentially valuable bonus point.

The visitors responded with a penalty try, but a comeback never looked on the cards for the Steelmen as they slipped to a fourth defeat of the season.

Aberavon - Tries: L Joseph, J Baker (2), J Tomalin-Reeves; Cons: J Garland (4); Pens: J Garland (2).

Ebbw Vale - Tries: D Langdon, Penalty try; Cons: D Langdon (2); Pen: D Langdon.