Ebbw Vale recorded a surprise 20-16 victory over Montauban at Eugene Cross Park, but left themselves with plenty to do in the second leg.

New Zealand winger Aaron Takarangi scored two first half tries to give the Steelmen a 20-point half-time lead.

Mark Meenan converted both tries and added two penalty goals.

With the French side down to 14 men after the dismissal of flanker Alexandre Colome for a high tackle, coach Mike Ruddock may have expected his team to increase the lead.

They allowed the visitors back into the game in the second half, though.

Montauban centre Benoit Albert was their hero with all 16 points, a haul that has left the Steelmen with plenty to do in the return leg in France.

In a post-game disciplinary hearing, match commissioner Ray Wilton cleared Colome to play in next week's game.

He decided that the sending off was sufficient punishment for the flanker.

Scorers - Ebbw Vale: Tries: Takarangi (2); Cons: Meenan (2); Pens: Meenan (2)

Montauban: Try: Albert; Con: Albert; Pens: Albert (3)

Ebbw Vale: R Davies; R Shorney (S Mitchell 79), N Wakely, M Ridley, A Takarangi; M Meenan, A Bevan; A Black (capt), L Phillips, M Jones, O Booyse, P Sidoli, K Tuipulotu, P Williams (R Williams 41), W Thomas (P Jones 75)

Montauban: H Veillard; I Derenalagi, B Albert, J Sieurac (H-P Vermis 41), J Faure (S Durand 59); P Gordo (B Beyret 59), C Garcia; C Vancheri (P Martinez 41), D Roumieu (N Grelon 41), M Ben Bouhout, G Jeannard, C Bergez, A Colome, F Bouckanoucha, Y Misse

Ref: Steve Leyshon (England)

Att: 2,000