Outside-half Shaun Connor was Ebbw Vale's 39-points hero against Cross Keys as he equalled the Welsh League record set by Collin Stephens for Llanelli in 1992.

Connor was on the bench for Ebbw Vale's first two games against Edinburgh and Pontypridd but ran in five tries and kicked four conversions and two penalties in the Steelmens' first league win of the season.

After the game Connor said it was a great achievement to equal the record but it was all down to the other 14 players on the field.

"I have never scored more than two tries in a match before but the ball just came out to me as I was supporting the other players and the gaps opened," he said.

"However, it was not about records though it is nice to equal it, but this was about getting the win for the team and getting our first league points."

Connor ran in his side's first two tries in the fifth and 18th minutes of the first half and converted his first try.

Captain Mark Jones crashed over for his side's third try in first half injury time to put Vale 17-3 ahead.

New boys Cross Keys, also without a win this season, got their points through a Jamie Webb penalty after Vale had strayed offside in their own 22. Webb missed a similar kick just before half-time.

Two minutes after the interval Connor darted over for his third try, following up a strong burst through the middle by wing Andrew Wagstaff.

Minutes from the end substitute scrum-half Richard Lewis ran 40 metres for a try for Cross Keys, having been on the field less than a minute. Webb added the extra points.

After the match Vale Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock said the result was a step up after the first two outings.

"There was still some sloppy playing and we have a lot of work to do," he said.

"We are under no illusions of what we have to do."

Scorers - Ebbw Vale: Tries: Shorney, Connor 5, M. Jones. Cons: Connor 4. Pens: Connor 2

Cross Keys: Tries: R. Lewis. Cons: Webb. Pens: Webb

Teams

Ebbw Vale: J Williams, R Shorney, John, J Hawker, A Wagstaff, S Connor, R Smith, I Thomas, A Peacock, D Penisini, C Billen, D Jones, G Green, P Williams, M Jones
Replacements: L Jones, A Phillips, L Banks, G Llewellyn, Betts, J Strange, Potter

Cross Keys: S Crane, T Adebayo, G Bowen, M McCarthy, C Arnold, J Webb, T Walsh, I Evans, G Hicks, D Crimmins, K Stewart, D Davies, A Gibbs, W Thomas, S Gardner (capt)
Replacements: R Lewis, C Bushell, I Gardner, J Rogers, N Kelly, P Watkins, A Howarth

Ref: N Whitehouse