EBBW VALE crashed to their third defeat in four Principality Premiership games with this latest reverse against Llanelli at Parc y Scarlets, writes Carl Field.

The Steelmen enjoyed plenty of the ball, but were unable to convert that into points and, while wasting numerous opportunities to score, they were also met with a dogged defensive display from Llanelli which ultimately won it.

It also meant defeat for Ebbw head coach Nigel Davies on his return to his former club Ebbw won the corresponding fixture 51-0 last season and got off to the perfect start in this one, with winger David Williams touching down in the right corner after six minutes, with outside half Iain Smerdon taking care of the extras.

The visitors looked more of the threat in the early stages, but were met with some resolute home resistance, with Matthew Owens and Ben Leung both producing brilliant last-ditch tackles to prevent what looked certain Ebbw tries.

Smerdon booted a penalty on 26 minutes hour to put his side 10 points up but Llanelli, who grew as the half wore on, hit back moments later with a try against his former club from outside half Josh Lewis, returning from long-term injury, which he also converted.

Ronny Kynes then thought he’d scored again for the visitors – but the joy was short-lived with the score being ruled out for crossing – before the hosts cut through again just before the break to lead 14-10.

A quick breakaway from the hosts saw wing Harry Robinson send scrum-half Justin James racing through to score, with the try unconverted.

The visitors began the second period camped inside the Llanelli 22 but they were unable to break through and, after Ebbw had centre Adam Jones sin-binned, Llanelli took advantage to score again on 67 minutes through Dion Jones, with the winger converting his own score to make it 22-10.

But, back came the Steelmen and, after Llanelli front row replacement Dylan Evans was yellow carded, they reduced the deficit to just four points thanks to hooker Mathew Williams’ converted try.

A barrage of Ebbw pressure then followed in the closing moments, with replacement Steffan Jones agonisingly knockiing into touch right on the line, as the Steelmen had to make do with a losing bonus point.

Scorers-Llanelli – Tries: J Lewis, J James, D Jones; Cons: J Lewis, D Jones.

Ebbw Vale – Tries: D Williams, M Williams; Cons: I Smerdon (2); Pen: I Smerdon.

Llanelli: J Williams; H Robinson (S Pearce 63), M Owens, M Pearce, D Jones; J Lewis (G Walters 50), J James (J Guy 41); R Thomas (D Evans 53), T Davies (T Myhill 74), B Leung, A Powell (capt), R Gierat (C Long 54), J Jones, O Morgan, T Lloyd (R Thomas 77).

Ebbw Vale: C Leversley; D Williams (S Jones 73), D Franchi, A Jones, R Gardner (D Haymond 73); I Smerdon, T Edwards (C Thomas 56); R Jones (I George 65), M Williams (J Franchi 73), G Robinson, D Hudd (capt), A Sweet, C Regan (L Crocker 29), R Kynes, E Doyle (H Keddie 61).

Referee: Adam Jones (WRU) Star man: Ben Leung (Llanelli)/Damien Hudd (Ebbw)