Tries from No 8 Ryan Jenkins, skipper Joe Franchi, right wing Harry Rees-Weldon and replacement Ieuan Morris, along with a penalty try, helped secure the maximum six points for Ebbw. Outside half Evan Lloyd added seven points with the boot.
It took the Steelmen a point further clear at the top of Super Rygbi Cymru – they now lead Cardiff by four points – while the win also marked a successful third defence by Ebbw of the SRC Challenger Shield. Kieran Meek kicked Pooler’s only points of the match with a first half penalty.
“We had a few things go against us the week before,” said Ebbw team manager Dan Haymond. “Losing Evan in the warm-up and we had players playing out of position, but we still think we could have done better.
“So, to win like that was and be so dominant throughout the game was brilliant for the boys – and just what we needed really. It was a good day for the club as well, we had a massive crowd there and fair play to Pontypool they always come in their droves.
“Early indications are saying the crowd was 4,000 plus, I think. I’ve been up there 15 years now and it’s probably the most I’ve seen up there.”
Cardiff, meanwhile, also took revenge on their old rivals Newport and put back-to-back defeats behind them with a 36-30 triumph at Newport Stadium.
Outside centre Elijah Evans scored in each half, with flanker Nathan Hudd, skipper Sean Moore, hooker Alun Rees and wing Joe Goodchild also running in tries for the Blue & Blacks. Outside half Harri Wilde converted three of them.
Having trailed 24-10 at half time, Newport rallied after the break to take the lead 25-24 but ultimately Ty Morris’ side would have to settle for two bonus points, with this result thwarting their bid for a fifth straight league win.
It was also the first meeting between these two clubs at Spytty Park and only the fifth time in three years Newport have tasted defeat at the venue. Right wing Lloyd Lewis scored twice for the home side with lock George Young and left wing Oli Andrew also crashing over – Jac Lloyd added two conversions and two penalties.
Llandovery once again got the better of Carmarthen Quins in the Tywi Valley derby with the Drovers’ 27-22 victory also securing them a seventh successive league victory.
Hooker Taylor Davies crashed over to give the visitors the lead, converted by full-back Jack Maynard, who then kicked a penalty.
Quins responded when a terrific midfield break by Ben Williams broke Llandovery’s defensive line, resulting in fellow back-rower Lewys Millin going over, although the conversion was missed.
Drovers centre Adam Warren then powered over from close range for their second try with Maynard converting, before Quins replied before the interval through their centre Gabe McDonald. Charlie Titcombe added the extras to reduce the visitors’ lead to 17-12.
Quins were then ahead for the first and only time in the match after the re-start when after the Drovers dropped the ball when on the attack on half-way, outside centre Jac Howells ran a full 40 metres to score their third try. Titcombe’s conversion made it 19-17.
Maynard kicked Llandovery back into the lead before they were then awarded a penalty try that ultimately secured victory. Titcombe’s penalty secured Quins a losing bonus point, but their wait for a first league win over Llandovery since October 2017 goes on.
Elsewhere, after 11 consecutive defeats since the start of the season, Swansea finally picked up their first win in SRC at the 12th time of asking as they narrowly defeated Aberavon 10-8 at St Helen’s in what was the perfect tribute to the former club and Wales legend Geoff Wheel, who passed away on Boxing Day.
After a scoreless first half, a penalty try two minutes into the second gave the Whites the lead. Outside half Ed Dunford replied with a penalty goal for the visitors on 49 minutes but that was matched three minutes later by his opposite number Josh Phillips – with his pinpoint penalty putting Swansea 10-3 ahead.
Wing Felix Gilbert scored a try for Aberavon six minutes from time, with the conversion attempt missed, to set up a tense finale with the visitors chasing a fourth win on the spin – but the Whites held on for that long-awaited victory.
