Head coach Jason Strange described his side’s emphatic victory at Llandovery as the product of years of work, after the Steelmen produced a ruthless performance to take control of the table, ahead of the end-of-season play-offs.
Ebbw swept aside their closest challengers 41-14 at Church Bank to open up a commanding 20-point lead at the summit, extending a remarkable run that has seen them win 12 of their 13 league fixtures and collect 71 points from a possible 78.
It was also a measure of redemption for Strange’s side after last season’s heavy SRC Cup final defeat at the same venue.
“The result was fantastic, but that win has probably been three years in the making,” said Strange after the game.
“It’s been a big rebuild; the players have been fantastic and they’re a great group to work alongside. We’re really pleased where we are as a club, but we understand there’s a lot of work to do yet this season.
“We’ve scored a lot of tries this season, but we’re also top for tries conceded, which we value more than anything.
“I thought there were periods in that second half where Llandovery were really good and put us under a lot of pressure and we showed a real good culture on that line.”
Centre Dom Franchi crossed twice for Ebbw, once in each half, with flanker Sion Parry, number eight Ryan Jenkins and replacement hooker Cam Davies also on the scoresheet.
Fly-half Evan Lloyd delivered a flawless kicking display, converting all five tries and landing two penalties.
Llandovery had made a bright start, responding to Lloyd’s early penalty with a converted try from Kian Abraham, but Ebbw quickly imposed themselves.
Parry played a key role, first creating space for Franchi before scoring himself on the stroke of half-time to give the visitors a 17-7 lead.
Franchi struck again shortly after the restart and although Jamie Hughes briefly reduced the deficit for the Drovers, further scores from Jenkins and Davies ensured Ebbw pulled away decisively.
For Franchi, the performance reflected the unity within the squad.
“We talk a lot in the changing room, just about being together, being connected. I’m lucky to say I can play rugby with my best mates every week; that’s what type of culture we like,” he said.
“We’re all best mates, we all bother outside of rugby and everything and, when you want to work for each other and you’re best mates with each other, you’ll go an extra mile and dig in.”
Elsewhere in Super Rygbi Cymru, Swansea continued their strong form with a dramatic 40-35 comeback victory over RGC at Broadacre, making it three wins in a row and seven for the season.
Former Ospreys centre Joe Thomas, acting as player-head coach, led from the front with a hat-trick, while Matthew Aubrey, Liam Lloyd and Ieuan Cornelious also touched down. Llew O’Brien converted five of the six tries.
RGC had surged into an early 14-0 lead and were still ahead at half-time and again midway through the second half, but Swansea’s persistence eventually told, leaving the north Walians with two bonus points from a third straight defeat.
Aberavon’s fixture with Cardiff was postponed due to the weather, while Bridgend Ravens’ clash with Pontypool has been rescheduled for next Saturday.
