EBBW Vale were left to lament a wasteful streak in enemy territory after being downed 17-6 by Pontypridd at Eugene Cross Park.

The Steelmen failed to make it two from two in the Principality Premiership East after failing to cross the Ponty line despite plenty of opportunities in the 22.

That meant a full-blooded, if error-strewn, contest went the way of the visitors thanks to a quickfire first half brace and a late clincher that denied Ebbw a losing consolation.

A try count of three to none meant they could have few complaints but it’s early days in the reign of new head coach Lee Davies and an inexperienced side must work on their composure close to the line.

Last season’s corresponding fixture was played in a monsoon but this time conditions were perfect with the game kicking off under blue skies.

It was a still night yet both fly-halves, Ponty’s Ceri Sweeney and his Dragons successor Dorian Jones, pushed early penalties wide.

There was intent and endeavour from both sides but no scoring after a quarter, the best chance wasted by the hosts after working to within yards of the line only for centre Srdan Majkic to spill the ball.

Ebbw, with old boys Jones and lock Ashley Sweet sent back for game time by the Dragons along with Wales Under-20s speedster Will Talbot-Davies, lacked composure in enemy territory.

And they were made to pay when a driving lineout went over with ease in the 23rd minute for tighthead Jon Elley to earn a 5-0 lead.

Straight from the restart Ponty stretched further ahead with a strong charge by prop Chris Phillips and superb finish by speed merchant Lewis Williams.

The Steelmen were creaking a little as half-time approached but held on to limit the damage to 10-0 and struck in the opening minute of the second half through the right boot of Jones.

Ebbw’s scrum was well on top but the lineout was spluttering to prevent them putting real pressure on the visitors.

A second Jones penalty made it 10-6 after 52 minutes, rewarding the Steelmen’s strong start to the second half, only for scrum-half Dai Jones to lose the momentum when yellow-carded for preventing a quick tap.

However, the numbers were evened up when Ponty’s lock Josh Hawkins was sin-binned for stopping a driving maul illegally.

Ebbw still couldn’t turn time in the 22 into points and it remained 10-6 entering the final quarter.

Ponty wing Dale Stuckey was denied a try by a foot in touch and then Ebbw finally got over the line only for referee Gwyn Morris to rightly chalk Cameron Regan’s score off for a forward pass by Sweet.

With five minutes left it was in the balance until wing Williams scooted over for a second down the right entering injury time.

Ebbw Vale scorers: penalties – D Jones (2)

Pontypridd scorers: tries – J Elley, L Williams (2); conversion – D Bird