Cardiff bounced back from defeat last week to secure a welcome bonus point win against Ebbw Vale.
But they were made to work hard for the victory as Ebbw Vale started the half brightly and continued to thwart Cardiff’s efforts. The Steelmen were first on the board as they drove a lineout over the Cardiff line, Dan Hill being credited with the score. Ryan Evans converted.
The Blue and Blacks were creating a lot of chances but the visitors defence was resolute and held the home side back until the 30th minute. Jack Maynard slotting a penalty that was to be the only Cardiff score of the half.
The second half was to be a completely different game. Jacob Beetham landed a long range penalty to pull Cardiff closer and the Blue & Blacks took the lead shortly after. A series off penalties had given Cardiff good field position and from the close-range lineout Iestyh Harris ploughed over. Ebbw were now conceding penalties at a rate of knots and the next lineout drive was brought crashing down with the line at its mercy. Adam Jones had no choice but to award a penalty try. The Blue & Blacks were now in total control and with Dan Fish kicking 50-22s at will they had a great position to work from. Another lineout lead to another try as the maul was stopped the ball was worked back to Ioan Evans. The centre used his power to get over the line, Beetham converted.
The bonus point try that looked unlikely in the first was delivered by man of the match Beetham. Great work in midfield by Sam Moore and Alun Lawrence set up a position close to the line and when the ball was recycled and sent wide Beetham was on had to power over for a try he converted to secure the bonus point.
Post Match Interviews
Jacob Beetham
Ioan Evans
Gruff Rees