But victory came at a price for both clubs – Swansea had try scorers Scott Gibbs and Kevin Morgan carried off on stretchers, while Vale had flanker Tyrone Morris sent off for stamping.
Swansea’s new Aussie coach John Connolly was able to wear a smile for the first time this season after seeing his side notch their first win and pick up a bonus point in a 38-10 triumph over Ulster.
But the sight of Gibbs injuring his ankle in the fourth minute of injury time, and Wales full back Morgan coming off with a dead leg will have taken some of the shine off a much needed triumph.
Ulster were also in the wars as their Irish outside half David Humphries was taken to hospital after allegedly being elbowed in the face.
Arwel Thomas kicked 18 points to steer the All Whites to victory, while Vale had Rhys Shorney to thank for their bonus point triumph, 45-25, over Caerphilly.Shorney grabbed three of his sides five tries and Mark Meenan kicked 20 points.
