OUTSIDE-HALF half Dorian Jones spearheaded an impressive victory for the Steelmen by marshalling his forces inn fine style behind the scrum and kicking four penalties and three conversions for a personal tally of 18 points, writes Geoff Champion.

Centre Dai Langdon also caught the eye grabbing a brace of first half tries while clever full-back Dan Haymond nipped over for a third touchdown.

But Vale had three players sent to the sin bin in the closing minutes - hooker Rhys Francis, Dorian Jones and lock Lance Randall - as off-colour Bedwas tried to stage a late rally.

Hooker Dale Rogers and replacement back Adam Williams scored the Bedwas tries while outside half Steffan Jones converted both and kicked a penalty.

Struggling Ebbw Vale had been boosted by the news that experienced Cross Keys head coach Greg Woods would be taking up a similar role at Eugene Cross Park on January 8.

But the Steelmen had more pressing matters to deal with in this final round of Principality Premiership matches before the East and West sections merged to form one league.

They were determined to try to halt a run of five defeats by turning the tables on buoyant Bedwas who coasted to a 54-5 home win when the sides last met.

In contrast, Bedwas were hoping to continue a winning run having lowered the colours of Bargoed, Cross Keys and Cardiff before the three-week lay-off.

The teams observed a minute’s silence before kick-off as a mark of respect to two stalwart supporters, Ruth Shepherd and Don Wilcox, and former player Jack Hawkins who died recently.

Ebbw Vale made a bright start and took the lead in the fifth minute when Langdon pounced for a try, following a neat chip ahead by inside half Dai Jones, which Dorian Jones converted.

The Steelmen doubled their lead in the 17th minute when Haymond crossed for a touchdown after a strong burst by flanker Regan. Steffan Jones converted.

As the eventful half drew to a close, Dorian Jones kicked two penalties for Vale before Steffan Jones added a penalty for the visitors.

But Bedwas kept up the pressure and they closed the gap further when replacement back Adam Williams exploited a home defensive error to cut inside for a try converted by Steffan Jones.

Back came Vale, playing with far more intensity than of late, with a second Langdon try which Dorian Jones converted to give them a 27-17 interval lead.

Both side battled for supremacy in the second half but Dorian Jones ensured his men stayed ahead with two more penalties.

Scorers: Ebbw Vale: Tries: D Langdon (2) D Haymond; Pens: Dorian Jones (4); Cons: Dorian Jones (3) Bedwas: Tries: D Rogers , A Williams; Pens: S Jones; Cons: S Jones (2) Ebbw Vale: D Haymond; S Thomas (E-W Benham 80), C Meyer, D Langdon, W Talbot-Davies; Dorian Jones, Dai Jones; G Ellis (R Jones 51), R Francis, R Sevenoaks (J James 62), R Clarke (K Parker 72), L Randall, C Regan, R Kynes, capt. and L Young.

Bedwas: L Evans; C Young (M Hathaway 55), C Edwards, M Callow, O Halford (A Williams 31); S Jones, N Griffiths, capt. (T Rowlands 43); T Devine (D Preece 53), D Rogers (M Dacey 53), J Williams ( R Hutcherson 53), B Thompson (G Edmunds 19), C Hudd, J Richards, D McGuigan ( A Waite 56) and R Blake.

Referee: Simon Mills