EBBW Vale found Pontypridd too strong for them at Sardis Road and slipped to a disappointing 27-0 defeat after failing to seize upon a number of scoring opportunities themselves.

It was the third time the Steelmen had to give second best to their opponents this term having been previously beaten in the league game at Eugene Cross Park in November and in the Swalec cup tie a fortnight ago.

The biggest problem in this rather scrappy match was that Vale had two players sent to the sin-bin in the second half – wing forward Cameron Regan seven minutes after the restart and lock Ashley Sweet in the 59th minute. You cannot afford to play a man short for 20 minutes against such experienced opponents as Ponty.

Vale centre Adam Jones also had a disappointing day with the boot missing two kickable penalty goals and a third more difficult effort before the interval. However, among players who caught the eye were centre Nathan Preece and flanker Rhys Clarke..

Centrer Dafydd Lockyer celebrated his 250th appearance for Pontypridd by scoring one of his side’s three tries..

Defending champions Ponty also extended their lead over Vale at the top of the table and now look to be hot favourites to retain the title.

Ponty’s other tries came from powerful flanker Luke Crocker and replacement inside half Lloyd Williams while impressive outside half Simon Humberstone added the conversions points to all of the touchdowns and he kicked two penalty goals. Humberstone also set up the first two tries with excellent breaks.

In a scrappy match in which both teams made too many handling errors, the visitors added to their problem when flanker Cameron Regan and lock Ashley Sweet both spent time in the sin bin. Centre Adam Jones also had an off day with the boot failing with three penalty attempts. Their best players were centre Nathan Preece and hard-working flanker Rhys Clarke.

But there could be no denying that Ponty looked stronger in nearly every phase of the game with Crocker, and fellow back row men Rhys Shellard all getting through a huge amount of work while inside half Lewis Jones was another star in defence and attack.

Lockyer almost grabbed a try in the first minute with the Vale defence just managing to nudge him into touch on the corner flag. It was all Ponty in the opening 15 minutes with full back Aled Summerhill, wings Lewis I Williams and Alex Webber and inside half Lewis Jones making dangerous but unproductive breaks.

Vale’s forwards started to win some useful lineout ball to ease the pressure but Jones made a hash of a long-distance penalty attempt in the 28th minute and he was again off target with another effort from 38 metres four minutes later.

Ponty finally broke the deadlock when Humberstone raced away on a fine solo run to put Lockyer over for a 39th minute try at the posts. Humberstone kicked the simple conversion.

Jones disappointed Vale fans again when he was wide with his third penalty attempt in first half injury time. leaving his side trailing 7-0 at the interval.

Vale kept battling bravely but looked a well-beaten side long before the end when Lloyd Williams scored deep in injury time.

Pontypridd scorers Tries: D. Lockyer, L.Crocker and Lloyd Williams Pens: S. Humberstone (2) Cons: S. Humberstone (3)