Full-back Pat Lewis scored in each half, with No 8 Morgan Allen also crashing over in the second period, to bag the bragging rights for Pooler in a 23-16 triumph.
Outside half Kieran Meek added eight points from the tee as he also smashed through the 100-point barrier for the season. The win over Ebbw was a fourth from their last five matches for Pooler, who are still yet to taste defeat at home since Tom Hancock took over as head coach.
It’s also now four consecutive wins at Pontypool Park since their narrow defeat by Llandovery on opening night, when Leighton Jones was still in charge.
The Steelmen had their noses in front 11-7 at the break, but they ultimately had to settle for a losing bonus point. Skipper Joe Franchi and centre Dom Franchi were their try scorers with Gruff Tough kicking two penalties.
Ebbw will have immediate chance to avenge the defeat when the two sides meet again in the return fixture at Eugene Cross Park on Saturday but this loss – only their second of the campaign and which ends their seven-match winning streak – is a blow, just a week after beating Cardiff to go top of the table.
Not only will league points and the usual bragging rights be up for grabs, but there is also the added spice that Ebbw – who are the current holders of the SRC Challenger Shield – will be putting it on the line against Hancock’s side.
“For us to go to Ebbw Vale and to win and to take that Shield from them is something we’re targeting,” said Pooler head coach Hancock.
“But they’re a good team Ebbw Vale, a proud team, and always make you work for anything that you want from it.
“We’re fully aware how difficult that task will be and what a good side Ebbw Vale are, so if we do go there and manage to get it done it’ll be something that our playing squad and our supporters can be very proud of.
“We know Ebbw Vale will double down having lost this week, so it’ll be an even tougher task for us.”
Pontypool had former Wales centre Scott Williams, who was released by the Scarlets at the end of last season, lining up for them in the centre. Hancock praised the impact of the 34-year-old, who is currently training with the Dragons.
“We were really fortunate and honoured to have a player of his stature and quality represent the club,” added Hancock.
“There was great feedback from the players who managed to play alongside him that his contribution and his buy-in was total.
“As Pontypool coaches, it was good for us to be able to draw as much knowledge and experience from him as we could in the short week that he was with us.
“He’ll always be welcome if he needs anymore game time, he can come back and play for us at any point. But we fully expect him now to kick on – and seeing him return to play with the Dragons would be a good story for everyone I think.”
Scorers: Pontypool: Tries: P Lewis 2, M Allen; Cons: K Meek; Pens: K Meek 2. Ebbw Vale: Tries: J Franchi, D Franchi; Pens: G Tough 2
