Cardiff's hopes of retaining the league title took a severe knock as they tumbled to a shock defeat against the bottom but one team Ebbw Vale on Wednesday.

In their first game since hammering Llanelli, Cardiff were expected to win at a canter.

But they foundered against a stubborn defence, whose hero - fly-half Jason Strange - kicked four penalties to provide all his side's points.

"Ther's been a lot of bad news in the town on and off the field, so it was important we got this win," said Ebbw Vale coach Mike Ruddock.

"Our defence won us the game - the side did themselves proud."

Strange put Vale into a second-minute lead with his first penalty and 10 minutes later he rattled Cardiff again when he landed a much harder effort from more than 50 yards.

But Cardiff retaliated, and centres Jamie Robinson and Gareth Thomas combined for the former to cross for a try converted by Mike Rayer to edge Cardiff ahead.

But spirited Vale regained the advantage when Strange kicked a well-judged penalty to give his side a surprise 12-7 interval lead.

Cardiff still had trouble getting out of second gear as Vale continued to battle bravely with the pack outstanding and Strange dictating.

The visitors mounted heavy pressure in the final quarter as they camped in the Vale 22 - but heroic defence by Vale somehow kept them at bay.

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Scorers - Ebbw Vale: Pens: Strange 4.

Cardiff: Tries: Robinson. Cons: Rayer.

Teams - Ebbw Vale: P Matthews, A Harris, S John, J Hawker, A Wagstaff, J Strange, R Smith, I Thomas, L Phillips, M Jones, C Billen, D Jones, N Budgett, Green, T Morris.
Replacements: M. Jones, A. Phillips, B Morris, Edwards, Connor, Betts, Wills.

Cardiff: R Williams, N Walne, J Robinson, G Thomas, C Morgan, M Rayer, R Howley, P Rogers, J Humphreys, S John, S Moore, J Tait, D Baugh, W Fyvie, E Lewis.
Replacements: Ellis, Jenkins, M Williams, Voyle, Kacala, A Lewis, Fourie.

Att: 4,000

Referee: Hugh Watkins (Welsh RFU)