WELSH PREMIERSHIP Ebbw Vale (17) 25 Tries: R Shorney, P Matthews, C Billen. Cons: B Hayward (2). Pens: Hayward (2). Pontypridd (3) 6 Pen: C Sweeney. DG: Sweeney. Att: 450

Ebbw Vale moved off the bottom of the league with a comprehensive win over Pontypridd at Eugene Cross Park, completing the double over their valley rivals.

In their best performance of the season, the Steelmen outscored the visitors by three tries to nil, controlling all aspects of the game and shaking Ponty with devastating tackling.

Fly-half Byron Hayward, poised for a player-coach role at the club next season, contributed 10 points, with tries from Rhys Shorney, Paul Matthews and Chay Billen.

The inexperienced Pontypridd side, who have now lost their last three league games, could find no answer.

The Steelmen had the game wrapped up by half-time as they carried a 17-3 advantage into the break.

Pontypridd rallied somewhat in the second period, notably with the late introduction of Neil Jenkins and Paul John, but a Ceri Sweeney penalty and drop goal was all Lynn Howells' side had to show for their efforts.

The Ebbw display will have been encouraging for Gareth Nicholas, named as the Steelmen's coach in the Welsh Premier league next season when Mike Ruddock takes charge of the Gwent regional side.

Ebbw Vale: Mark Meenan; Nick Wakley, Rhys Shorney, Paul Matthews, Andrew Bevan; Byron Hayward, Gareth Betts; Adam Black, Leyton Phillips (capt), Damien Penisini, Chay Billen, Peter Sidoli, Will Thomas, Tyrone Morris, Kati Tuipolotu.
Replacements: Paul Jones, Keiron Crawford, Damien Hudd, Rhys Williams, Ed Binham, Martin Ridley, Liam Roberts.

Pontypridd: Gareth Wyatt; Richard Fussell, Jason Lewis, Jon Bryant, Matthew Nutthall; Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Baber; Neil Hennessy, Mefin Davies (capt), A Wilkshire, Dale McIntosh, Robert Sidoli, Mark Lewis, Wayne O'Connor, Lee Beech.
Replacements: Richard Johnston, Neil Jenkins, Paul John, Mike Griffiths, Matthew Rees, Brent Cockbain, Kingsley Jones.

Ref: Huw Watkins (WRU)