A game that was delicately poised at 6-7 in favour of the visitors at the break really swung on the controversial sending off of home skipper Tom Hall for an alleged tip-tackle midway through the first half.Â
The students eventually ran out of steam against Ebbw’s powerful pack, their plight being made all the worse when they were reduced to 13 players in the second half with a player in the sin bin.
Mark Cook kicked all the points for the students with three penalties while Ebbw skipper bagged one of two pushover tries – Ronny Kynes got the other – and there was also a penalty try.
Wing Wes Cunliffe grabbed the other try and Ian Smerdon added two conversions and Carl Meyer kicked a penalty.
It meant a change of order at the top of the table with Ebbw Vale moving four points clear of the students at the top, while Pontypool went level on 15 points with Cardiff Met in third.
Their 32-23 home win over Bonymaen was played out in front of legendary coach Ray Prosser, who was treated to four tries from the home side’s backline.
Full back Josh Hurley, wings Chris Laing and Trevor James and centre Mark Thorley were the home try scorers, whilst Sam Mills added 12 points with the boot.
Bonymaen were still in the game at the break, trailing 10-9 after Richard Cunliffe had kicked three penalties. They scored two second half tries through centre Mark Simons and flanker Kim Kelly, both of which Cunliffe converted.
Tondu hit back from being 14-0 down at home to Llanharan to win 20-17.
Tries from centre Mark Roberts, scrum half Joe Heatley and flanker Matthew Morgan were at the heart of their fightback.
Llanharan scored two first half tries through outside Codey Rees and number eight Huw Thomas, but could only muster a Rees penalty after the break.
Tata Steel went on a seven try rampage at home to Beddau running out 49-10 victors in the end.
Outside half Simon Evans scored a trademark interception try and ended the game with 17 points. Other tries came from Gareth John, skipper Gareth Edwards, Ben Davies, Gareth Beer, Ross Pritchard and a penalty try.
RGC notched a record high score of 56 points in the Championship as they ran in eight tries in a 56-10 triumph at Blackwood.
Number eight Kelvin Davies helped himself to a hat-trick and Lewis Barker came on to score two tries and kick three conversions.
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