Both teams started the game in sprightly fashion with conditions suitable for both sets of backs to adopt a free-flowing running game. And after another bonus point win, coach Neil Edwards was delighted with the victory and the start to the season so far.
“It was important that we opened our account at home with the win, the conditions were perfect and the pitch was immaculate so it boded well for a good game,” he said.
“We did lose a bit of shape for a few moments in the second half where we leaked the brace of tries so we’ll be looking at that but most importantly we got the win and the bonus point.
“The season has started off really well for us with 18 tries already scored in two games, but it’s a long and challenging year for us with some tough encounters so we are just taking it game by game.”
Despite the final score, it was the visitors who struck first with Tom Bonnell landing a penalty for the Otters before Ebbw outside half Dan Haymond replied shortly after.
After another penalty for Narbeth, Ebbw Vale sprung into life it and it wasn’t long before the first try was scored. A superb solo run and finish by Haymond saw him glide through the defenders and with a few neat side steps went over almost untouched. After adding the conversion, Haymond had now scored all 10 of his side’s points.
With the Narbeth defence under pressure from the Steelmen, it wasn’t long before centre Polo Uhi powered over for Ebbw’s second try just before half time. Haymond again converted and the sides went into the break with Ebbw leading 17-6.
The second half was only a few minutes old when centre Josh Lewis charged down a poor Narbeth clearance kick to collect and score Ebbw’s third with Haymond again added the extras. Ebbw had the bit between their teeth now and could sense the bonus point was coming. It duly arrived when, after a patient and well executed build up, ever present Ashley Sweet went over for the try that gave the Steelmen the bonus point. Haymond’s impressive day with the boot continued as he slotted over the conversion to make it 31-6.
Ebbw were now playing with confidence and running angles that were creating all sorts of problems for the visitors. Back row Cameron Regan was the next to touch down for Ebbw and the conversion put the game out of Narbeth’s grasp.
To their credit however the visitors never gave up and on a number of occasions were only denied scores by the home sides last gasp defence or handling errors. They were rewarded with two good tries from Will Lewis and Wayne Williams though both conversions went wide.
Ebbw Vale had the last say though as replacement Jamie Jones went over under the sticks with Haymond adding the extra two points to complete the match and a 100% kicking record on the day.
