EBBW Vale’s hopes of making the Principality Premiership top eight suffered another setback after defeat in a nail-biting Boxing Day clash at the Bridge Field, writes Carl Field.

Having fought back from 15-0 down at the break to lead 22-18, full-back Aaron Bramwell snatched victory from the Steelmen’s grasp in a dramatic climax.

It means reigning champions Ebbw are still a point outside the top eight before the split next month – ahead of what are now must-win games with Cardiff and Cross Keys at Eugene Cross Park.

Bedwas looked the stronger side from the off with fly-half Richard Powell booting them into a sixth-minute lead with a penalty directly in front of the posts.

Ebbw lost No10 Josh Lewis to the sin bin for a dangerous looking tackle on 22 minutes and, seconds later, Bedwas cut through for their first try, finished off by inside centre Mike Callow, with Powell converting.

The hosts extended that lead three minutes before the break when, after switching play from left to right, back-rower James Benjamin crashed over in the corner, before Powell’s conversion attempt struck the uprights.

But whatever Ebbw head coach Nigel Davies said at half time had the desired effect as the Steelmen responded two minutes after the break through wing Craig Duncan, with the try unconverted.

And then, after a period of sustained pressure in the home 22, Ebbw scored again on 54 minutes through centre Dai Langdon with Lewis’ conversion pulling them back to within three points of the hosts.

Replacement Dorian Jones’ drop goal on 58 minutes levelled matters at 15-15 before Powell’s second penalty edged Bedwas back in front moments later.

Ebbw then scored their third try on 67 minutes through No 8 Rhys Clarke with Lewis’ conversion putting them 22-18 to the good.

However, they couldn’t hold out with Bramwell scoring Bedwas third try on 75 minutes to secure victory for Bedwas.

Bedwas: Tries: M Callow, J Benjamin, A Bramwell; Con: R Powell; Pens: R Powell (2)

Ebbw Vale: Tries: C Duncan, D Langdon, R Clarke; Cons: J Lewis (2); DG: D Jones