EBBW VALE'S hopes of retaining the Principality Premiership crown were given a boost after a hard-fought victory over Aberavon at Eugene Cross Park, writes Jay Bayford.

After losing to Bedwas in their opening Tier One fixture, there was extra pressure on champions Ebbw Vale to win to keep their title defence alive and they showed great character to come from behind to secure a vital victory.

It wasn’t the ideal start for Ebbw Vale with Stef Williams kicking Aberavon into an early lead. Things then got worse when Josh Lewis picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Dai Langdon, but that only seemed to galvanise the hosts.

Ebbw Vale started to move the ball with more power and purpose and after a couple of near misses, Ronny Kynes found a gap in the Aberavon backline to run through and touch down, much to the delight of the home crowd. Replacement Langdon was accurate with the resulting conversion.

The hosts had the momentum and continued to launch attack after attack but the Wizards managed to keep them at bay. Despite the freezing weather, temperatures started to rise on the pitch with a few scuffles breaking out but the Steelmen couldn’t find a way through to extend their lead.

Dai Griggs gave Ebbw Vale even more motivation when he was sent to the sin bin in the 34th minute, but the Wizards managed to survive until half time without him.

Aberavon started the second half strongly with Williams kicking his second penalty of the game to close the gap to one point. And the Wizards looked like they would take control of the game when Dominic Franchi was yellow carded for Ebbw Vale. But the visitors couldn’t take advantage of their numerical superiority.

Chris Davies soon joined Franchi in the sin bin and within a minute of him leaving the field, Nathan Preece was played into space out wide to crash over and push Ebbw Vale further ahead.

Dai Langdon then kicked a late penalty to seal the result and keep Ebbw Vale’s title hopes alive.

Ebbw Vale: Tries: R Kynes, N Preece; Con: D Langdon; Pen: D Langdon.

Aberavon: Pens: S Williams (2)