EBBW Vale sensationally dumped WRU National Cup holders RGC 1404 out of this season’s competition at Eugene Cross Park on Saturday, with Dorian Jones kicking a last-minute penalty to win the first round tie for the hosts, writes Chris Smart.

Both sides struggled to gain any real momentum in a first half that was low on quality and frequent handling errors saw both teams resort to a kicking game for long periods.

It was Ebbw who broke the deadlock after a quiet opening few minutes when a delightful chip over the top from Dai Jones was gathered by winger Toby Fricker and he held off two challenges to cross.

Jones added the extras to give Ebbw a seven-point lead.

That was how the score remained up to the brink of half-time, with both sides evenly matched and few clear-cut chances.

But RGC eventually clicked into gear to level the scores just before the interval.

A succession of lineouts put pressure on the Ebbw backline and Evan Yardley touched down for the visitors at the back of a driving maul.

And RGC repeated the trick moments later, Jordan Scott this time the man to cross as the pack piled over on the right wing.

Jacob Botica converted both scores to give RGC a 14-7 lead going into the break.

The Steelmen came out stronger after the restart and soon put the visitors under pressure.

Looking to exploit the same corner that RGC had managed to so successfully towards the end of the first period, Ebbw piled numbers forward.

They did reduce the deficit through the boot of Jones and the Ebbw fly-half brought his side to within a point after adding a further penalty on 63 minutes.

But as the tie looked to have escaped the hosts, referee Ian Davies awarded them a late penalty.

Jones expertly slotted the kick to earn the Steelmen a deserved win and a place in the hat for the second round.

Scorers: Ebbw Vale – Try: T Fricker; Con: D Jones; Pens: D Jones (3)

RGC – Tries: E Yardley, J Scott; Cons: J Botica (2)

Ebbw Vale: D Haymond; S Thomas, D Franchi, D Langdon, T Fricker; D Jones, D Jones; R Jones, R Francis (J Franchi 65), J James, K Parker, R Clarke, C Regan, R Kynes (capt), L Young (B Papp 72)

RGC: D Jones; A Bagshaw, T Hughes, T Loots, I Evans (R Williams 65); J Botica, E Jones (A Schwarz 54); J Simpson, E Yardley (capt) (R Williams 72), J Scott, M Francis, R Williams, A Williams, D Owen, T Grey

Argus star man: Dorian Jones (Ebbw Vale)