A storming break by powerful Newport centre Andy Marinos proved to be the telling moment of this fiercely fought Gwent local derby.

After weathering a tremendous early onslaught from the Steelmen, Newport swung into action.

Marinos, who left the field injured in the closing minutes, cut the home defence to ribbons in the 20th minute with a great run.

He slipped an inside pass to supporting wing forward Peter Buxton who crossed for the excellent try.

Brave defence

Wales outside half Shane Howarth then proceeded to steer his side to a vital win by grabbing a hat-trick of dropped goals as well as kicking a penalty and the conversion for a match tally of 14 points.

Newport deserved the victory, because they were on top for most of the game, but Vale defended bravely and did well to keep in touch for so long.

Newport will need to tighten up their attacking play before meeting arch rivals Cardiff on what should be another thrilling encounter on Boxing Day, though.

Ebbw Vale started the match in a fast and furious style and it took Newport a full 11 minutes to launch their first meaningful attack.

But home outside-half Jason Strange missed two kickable penalties in the first five minutes before opening the scoring with a 30-metre penalty in the ninth minute.

Pass master

Newport were pressing strongly near the home line when Ebbw Vale broke away to snatch a dramatic try.

Left wing Andrew Wagstaff raced 75 metres only to be hauled down by Ben Breeze. But Vale full-back Paul Matthews was up in support to pick up a loose ball and flick an overhead inside pass inside to right wing Stephen John who crossed for the touchdown.

Strange added the conversion.

Buxton then scored his try, converted by Howarth, who also landed an excellent penalty and the first of his drop goals gave the visitors a 13-10 interval lead.

And that eventually put them on the trail of a much cherished victory against Vale.

Scorers - Ebbw Vale: Tries: John. Cons: Strange. Pens: Strange.

Newport: Tries: Buxton. Cons: Howarth. Pens: Howarth. Drop Goals: Howarth 3.

Attendance: 4,100

Ebbw Vale: P Matthews, S John, R Shorney, J Hawker, A Wagstaff, J Strange, R Smith, I Thomas, L Phillips, D Penisini, C Billen, D Jones, G Green, S Williams, M Jones (capt).
Replacements: A Phillips, B Morris, G Llewellyn, Grabham, Betts, Connor, J Williams.

Newport: M Pini, M Mostyn, J Jones-Hughes, A Marinos, B Breeze, S Howarth, D Burn, C Jones, J Richards, A Garvey, S Raiwalui, I Gough, P Buxton, A Popham, G Teichmann (capt)
Replacements: L Fortey, C Thomas, G Taylor, J Forster, E Lewis, J Pritchard, D Edwards.

Ref: D Davies (WRU).