EBBW VALE moved back to the top of the Principality Premiership league with this decisive six-try bonus point win over Neath.

The Steelmen edged ahead of defending champions Pontypridd who were on British and Irish Cup quarter final duty at Worcester.

Vale’s dominant set piece play, with hooker Rhys Francis, lock and skipper Damien Hudd and Wales Under 20 squad man Harrison Keddie all outstanding, proved too much for the plucky visitors while South African centre Carl Meyer impressed with his charging runs and sure tackling.

Neath, still in trouble near the bottom of the table, clawed their way back to 24-17 with just seven minutes of normal time left but then got swamped by Vale’s late points surge.

Wing Wes Cunliffe scored a brace of tries for the home team while others came from full back Dan Haymond, wing forward Ronny Kynes, wing Owen Williams, and replacement forward Rob Sevenoaks. Iain Smerdon (2) and replacement David Langdon added conversions.

Neath’s points came from tries by wing Alec Jenkins and flanker Alun Jones. Outside half Rhodri Cole kicked a penalty goal and a conversion while full back Dafydd Howells also added a conversion.

The newly-promoted Steelmen had beaten Neath 29-18 at The Gnoll last September so they had their sights set on recording a “double” and their sixth consecutive league win.

After a very disappointing start to the campaign, the Welsh All Blacks found some form over the Christmas and New Year period with victories against Aberavon and Bedwas and they came very close to depriving Pontypridd of their unbeaten record last week when they were pipped 20-18 at home. Neath were 48-21 winners on their last visit to Eugene Cross Park in April 2010.

The kick-off was delayed by 12 minutes after referee Mr. Chris Williams (Bridgend) was held up in a big traffic jam following accidents on the M4 near Cardiff.

Neath did not waste any time as soon as the action got underway with a strong forwards surge and a sniping run by James resulting in a third minute corner try for wing Alec Jenkins. Cole converted from wide out. Vale hit back five minutes later with an exciting Cunliffe midfield burst into the visitors’ 22 metres area paving the way for the foothold from which full back Dan Haymond was able to score an unconverted corner touchdown.

Ebbw Vale’s powerful forwards started to control matters and, from a long lineout throw near the Neath line, flanker Kynes grabbed a try converted by Smerdon who also added the conversion points to a smart Williams try to give the Steelmen a 19 -7 interval lead. But Neath could not contain Vale in those final hectic minutes.

Scorers: Ebbw Vale: Tries: D. Haymond (8 mins), R. Kynes (36 mins), O. Williams (40+3mins), W. Cunliffe (55 mins and 80+2 mins)), R.Sevenoaks ( 80 mins). Cons: I. Smerdon (2), D. Langdon

Neath: Tries: A. Jenkins (3 mins) and A. Jones (73 mins) Pens: R. Cole (48 pens) Cons: R. Cole, D. Howells