Ebbw Vale came into the match as Premiership table-toppers and began to play as such but the lead changed hands several times and Aberavon led 3-2 on the try-count.
Aberavon coach Jason Hyatt commented: “I was absolutely thrilled by our performance and the standard of rugby throughout was very good indeed. We played with great character and commitment but Ebbw Vale still looked a very good outfit.”
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange said: “Give Aberavon credit for their win and we learnt a lot from the game. We lost lock Ashley Sweet in the warm-up and Spencer Gibson early on.”
Ebbw Vale led with two David Langdon penalties to one by Cameron Clement and though the Wizards hooker Gareth Harvey scored and Clement converted, Langdon hit over a third penalty.
Clement sent wing Richard Carter in and again converted but Ebbw centre Adam Jones scored a try to make it 17-14 to Aberavon at the break.
With Pritchard gone Aberavon were in deep trouble when wing Owen Williams pulled off an interception try that Langdon converted.
However, Aberavon struck back as prop Rowan Jenkins raced 30 metres to put teenage full back Joe Gage in for Clement to convert.
Clement placed a penalty and the seven-man home pack dominated the last half hour.
