Ebbw ran riot at Parc y Scarlets to register their biggest Premiership victory of the season in beating Llanelli 51-0. Under a Caribbean sky, Ebbw played some calpyso rugby with tries from Chris Thomas, Carl Meyer, John Lavender, Tom James, Owen WIlliams, Rhys Downes, Ashley Sweet and Luke Leddington. Carl Meyer converted his own score, and Iain Smerdon converted three and added a penalty. The win secured a play-off place for Ebbw – a remarkable outcome to their first season back at the top level of Welsh club rugby.

On a table-top playing surface, Ebbw were keen to carry on the kind of high-tempo game that brought success at Llandovery and, with the forwards utterly dominant, the backs were able to capitalise on a plethora of possession. In such a team performance, it’s hard to single out individuals, but Jordan Howells (named ‘Man of the Match’ by Llanelli’s match sponsors) had his best game in an Ebbw jersey, making ground every time he received the ball and tackling strongly. Harrison Keddie was also outstanding, often leading the forward charge. For this reporter, though, the moment of the game came from Mathew Williams – his looped pass to Tom James for the bonus point try was sublime! All in all, it was impossible to fault any aspect of Ebbw’s game, at scrum, lineout, ruck, maul and in the open. They were fitter, faster, stronger and cleverer than their young opponents who, though hopelessly overrun, never gave up trying or working hard in what must have felt like an away game for them.

Ebbw’s team was: Dan Haymond, Owen Williams, Jordan Howells, Carl Meyer, Tom James; Iain Smerdon, Chris Thomas; John Lavender, Mathew Williams, Rob Sevenoaks; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Harrison Keddie. Replacements: Rhys Francis, Keagan Bale, Luke Leddington, Cameron Regan, Gareth WIlliams, Rhys Downes, Dai Langdon, Tom Watkins.