Super Rygbi Cymru: Ebbw Vale extend perfect start
Ethan Phillips was one of Ebbw Vale's try scorers in their win against Cardiff
- Published
Ebbw Vale continued their impressive start to Super Rygbi Cymru by hammering Cardiff 60-20 at Eugene Cross Park.
The Steelmen enjoyed another successful defence of the SRC Challenger Shield by scoring nine tries against the Blue and Blacks.
Jason Strange's men have now won their first three fixtures with a perfect 18 points as they look to go one better than 2024-25, when they suffered a home loss to Newport in the grand final.
Ebbw led 31-15 at the break thanks to tries by centre Ethan Phillips, hooker Joe Franchi and full-back Morgan Richards, plus a penalty try.
Further tries followed from replacement hooker Ieuan Morris (3), wing Ewan Bowden and Canada flanker Sion Parry as the Steelmen showed their title credentials.
Hooker Gavin Parry and wing Joe Goodchild (2) went over for last season's semi-finalists Cardiff, who have now lost two on the spin.
Ebbw Vale's bonuses give them a three-point advantage over Llandovery, who recorded their third win on the spin by beating Rygbi Gogledd Cymru 41-31 in Colwyn Bay.
Champions Newport's tough start to their title defence continued when stunned 42-40 on home soil by Swansea.
Josh Phillips' late penalty edged the Whites to a first win of the campaign while the Black and Ambers prop up the table after a third loss.
Carmarthen Quins are third after continuing an encouraging start with a 24-12 home victory against Pontypool.
The action started on Thursday when Aberavon beat Bridgend 37-35 in an 11-try thriller at Brewery Field.
Ospreys prospect Owen Erasmus converted a try by centre Joe Gage in the 74th minute before the Wizards held firm for a second win of the campaign.