WELSH PREMIERSHIP Ebbw Vale (12) 22 Tries: M Meenan, S Mitchell, Thomas. Cons: Mitchell (2). Pen: Mitchell. Caerphilly (21) 24 Tries: R Boobyer, T Taufahema, A Chilten. Cons: L Richards (3). DG: J Murphy. Att: 604

Caerphilly moved off the foot of the Welsh Premiership by completing the double over fellow strugglers Ebbw Vale.

In a tumultuous encounter the teams shared six tries, but the result was settled by a superb drop goal from Caerphilly replacement Jarrod Murphy.

The Steelmen had the chance to steal the win with a late penalty, but Scott Mitchell sent the effort wide.

The two sides are now level on points, and in their final matches this weekend the Cheesemen welcome struggling Pontypridd, whilst Ebbw travel to Newport.

The home side made the brighter start with two early tries in the space of eight minutes.

First Mark Meenan touched down in the corner after a Vale break from their own 22.

Then minutes later Will Thomas bundled himself over after Andrew Bevan had chased down a Caerphilly kick.

However, the Castletown men responded well and were soon back in the game.

Poor defence allowed Allen Chilten to touch down under the post, then on the half-hour Caerphilly were in front after Roddy Boobyer crossed in the corner.

Taumaholo Taufahema powered over to give Mark Ring's side a 21-12 half-time lead, but after the break Vale notched an early try, Scott Mitchell breaking through poor defence to score underneath the posts.

Midway through the second half Caerphilly were punished for off-side and Mitchell took advantage by sending over a penalty to give Vale a slender, one-point lead.

But on the hour Murphy's 30-yard drop-goal put the visitors ahead, allowing Caerphilly to claim the precious basement points.

Ebbw Vale: M Meenan; N Wakley, R Shorney, P Matthews, A Bevan; S Mitchell, G Betts; A Black, L Phillips (capt), D Penisini, C Billen, P Sidoli, W Thomas, K Tuipulotu, T Morris.
Replacements: P Jones, K Crawford, D Hudd, R Williams, E Binham, M Ridley, L Roberts.

Caerphilly: S Tuipulotu; R Howells, R Higgitt, R Boobyer, T Taufahema; J Thomas, A Chilten; L Manning, C Ferris (capt), D Sweet, D Davies, P Jones, J El-Abd, G Jones, M Workman.
Replacements: S Grainger, L Richards, J Murphy, F Vunipola, G Lewis, G Liddon, R Bilton.

Ref: Nigel Whitehouse (Gowerton)