EBBW Vale sit on top of the Principality Premiership table by four points this weekend after their thrilling victory over Carmarthen Quins in a magnificent contest.

It capped a remarkable seven days for the Eugene Cross Park club after last weekend’s bonus point victory over Cardiff followed up by leaders and reigning champions Pontypridd’s four league points deduction for fielding an ineligible player.

This showdown between the Steelmen, who started the day equal on points with Ponty but second by virtue of having won fewer games, and third-placed Quins, was a tremendous advert for the league.

Two quality sides went at it hammer and tongs to produce a classic that was in doubt right up to the last second when Quins were denied what looked like a legitimate try by replacement No 10 Dan Jones which would have broken Vale’s hearts.

The Steelmen had to dig deep to keep out the visitors in the last five minutes, replacement wing Wes Cunliffe pulling off a heroic tackle on his opposite number, the dangerous Dylan Morgan, who looked odds on to score.

Led by their talismanic captain Damien Hudd, Ebbw had deservedly led 14-8 at the interval as they dominated territory and possession, mainly through their imposing scrum.

They scored a cute try through scrum half Rhys Downes, after full back Dan Haymond and wing Nathan Preece had looked menacing in attack.

Added to that was a penalty try, courtesy of their powerful scrum, and two conversions by fly half Iain Smerdon to a penalty by Quins No 10 Craig Evans and a fine try by Morgan.

The second half started badly for the hosts however when blindside flanker Cameron Regan was yellow carded, referee Neil Hennessy’s patience snapping with Vale constantly giving penalties away at the contact area.

It was hats off to Quins’ back row Will Boyde, Ellis Lloyd and Sion Bennett and their teammates in the pack for their excellent work at the breakdown which prevented the impressive set piece of Ebbw building momentum which would have taken the game away from visitors.

The tenacious West Walians were rewarded for their guts when they made the most of Vale being down to 14 men when centre Jason Harries crossed under the posts, Evans’ conversion giving them the lead for the first time at 15-14.

As Regan was about to come back on the field, the visitors’ lost their loosehead prop Gethin Robinson to the sin bin for pulling down a maul.

The Steelmen’s juggernaut pack took immediate advantage as the pendulum swung back in their favour when openside flanker Ronny Kynes was driven over the try-line to restore his side’s lead, Smerdon just failing to convert.

Vale looked to close the game out but were again guilty of giving needless penalties away at the breakdown.

The dangerous Quins backs and their skilful forwards mounted some fine attacks, Cunliffe saving the day in as an exciting final few minutes as you are ever likely to see.

If the Premiership had a television match official, Quins would probably have won right at the death because it looked as though Jones had won the match by crossing the try-line.

To be fair to Mr Hennessy and his assistants, it wasn’t a clear cut decision and he blew the final whistle to Quins’ despair.

The party could start for the ecstatic Eugene Cross Park faithful who are witnessing great days at the well run club who have a fine team and great coaches.

They certainly could give Ponty a real run for their money this season.

Ebbw Vale: Dan Haymond, Owen Williams, Tom Hiscock (Wes Cunliffe 63), Carl Meyer (Tom Watkins 77), Nathan Preece; Iain Smerdon, Rhys Downes; Ross Jones (John Lavender 53), Rhys Francis, Robert Sevenoaks (Gethin Robinson 53) Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Cameron Regan, Ronny Kynes, Spencer Gibson (Harrison Keddie 51) Replacements:, Jonny Bowen, , Josh Jacas, Chris Thomas, Tom Watkins.

Ebbw Vale scorers: Tries – Rhys Downes (16), Penalty try (36), Ronny Kynes (64), Conversions – Iain Smerdon (16), (36).

Carmarthen Quins: Lee Williams, Chris Banfield, Jason Harries, Rhys Williams, Dylan Morgan (Steffan Phillips 66-72), Craig Evans (Dan Jones 74), Gareth Jones (Javan Sebastian 77), Gethin Robinson Rhodri Clancy, Ian Jones (capt), Lee Taylor, Haydn Pugh, Will Boyde, Ellis Lloyd (Rory Gallagher 77), Sion Bennett.

Replacements: Jack Haines, Aidan Laxton, Dion Jones, Morgan Griffiths.

Carmarthen Quins scorers: Tries – Dylan Morgan (38) Jason Harries (54), Conversion – Craig Evans (54), Penalty – Craig Evans (30)

Referee: Neil Hennessy (WRU)

Argus star man: Damien Hudd