Ebbw Vale stunned last year's champions Llanelli as Bryan Shelbourne kicked the Steelmen to their second win of the tournament.

Llanelli failed to overcome a determined Ebbw Vale side, who battled their way throughout a scrappy game.

Five penalties from scrum half Shelbourne and a try from Richard Davies secured a great win over the Scarlets.

Llanelli made too many mistakes and gifted the home side penalty after penalty.

Match details:

Ebbw Vale Try: R Davies Pens: B Shelbourne (5) Llanelli Try: B Davies Pen: G Bowen

The game had been brought forward due to floodlight problems at Eugene Cross Park, but it wasn't long before the Steelmen lit up a damp, drizzly day at Ebbw Vale.

They should have taken a six-point lead against the defending champions, but Bryan Shelbourne failed to convert two early penalties.

Indeed the home side settled into the game well, applying lots of pressure and forcing Llanelli to make mistakes.

But they failed to turn their possession and territory into points and had to wait until the 20th minute before Shelbourne put three points on the scoreboard after slotting over an easy penalty.

Llanelli then came to life. Some good hands in midfield saw full back Barry Davies cross for the first try of the game.

Credit for the move must be given to Gareth Bowen. It was his vision that opened up the defence, releasing Davies with a well-timed pass.

The floodlights even appreciated it attempting to come to life with a flicker.

Shelbourne put Ebbw Vale back into the lead on the half-hour mark with a well-struck penalty.

Ebbw Vale's Scott Mitchell decided he had not had long enough of a break as the second half got underway.

He earned himself a yellow card for handling the ball on the floor and so enjoyed 10 minutes in the bin.

Shelbourne kicked five penalties against Llanelli

Scarlets outside-half Gareth Bowen duly added three points, only to see Shelbourne put Vale back into the lead with a similar penalty.

As fog descended, the December sky began to darken. Both sides scrapped for penalties and started to hack the ball down the field.

Ebbw Vale did so with more conviction. They forced Llanelli to make needless mistakes as they rushed to clear their 22.

Frustration began to show and Matt Cardey also enjoyed a trip to the sin bin.

Things got worse for Llanelli when Richard Davies copied his namesake and positional counterpart, to cross for a try and extend Ebbw Vale's lead.

Despite a late rally, Llanelli couldn't get themselves back into the game.

Ebbw Vale were worthy winners beating both last season's champions and the conditions.

Ebbw Vale: R Davies; N Wakely, R Shorney, E Binham, A Bevan; S Mitchell, B Shelbourne; A Black, L Phillips, M Jones, O Booyse, N Edwards, C Billen, K Tuipulotu, R Williams.
Reps: D Penisini, J Evans, P Sidoli, W Thomas, A Takarangi, M Meenan, T Morris.

Llanelli: Barry Davies; Garan Evans, Matt Cardey, Tal Selley, Neil Boobyer; Gareth Bowen, Guy Easterby (capt); Phil John, Marcus Thomas, John Davies, Luke Gross, Paul Clapham, Jamie Cudmore, Ian Boobyer, Dave Hodges.
Reps: Vernon Cooper, Iestyn Thomas, Martyn Madden, Aled Gravell, Dwayne Peel, Stephen Jones, Matthew Watkins.

Ref: Phil Fear (Llanharan)

Att: 1,000