Bedwas failed to score a try for the first time this season, as two Ronny Kynes tries earned Ebbw Vale a club-record ninth successive win, and top spot in the Principality Premiership table.
Returning to league duty just six days after their rampant 48-20 win over Camarthen Quins in the Fosters Challenge Cup semi-final, Bedwas struggled in horrible conditions at the Bridge Field on Saturday, March 26.
Strong winds and monsoon-like rain saw conditions deteriorate as the game wore on, with Ebbw Vale claiming a 16-8 victory.
Two long range, wind-assisted Richard Powell penalties put Bedwas four points ahead in the first 15 minutes, before Ebbw launched attack after attack on the Bedwas line.
Bedwas defended well, before the pressure told and back-rower Ronny Kynes dived over from close range. Iain Smerdon converted the extras.
Bedwas fought back well, and Powell added another well taken penalty to narrow the gap, but the Steelmen were not to be denied for long.
Home captain Dan Preece was sin-binned for pulling down a maul as Ebbw launched another assault at the Bedwas line.
If it was tough defending in the rain and wind with a full complement of players, it got even tougher with fourteen, and Ebbw took full advantage.
Kynes got his second try just before the interval, Smerdon slotting the conversion.
The weather continued to deteriorate, making it a real war of attrition on the field.
Powell added a fourth penalty to put Bedwas within eight points and a potential losing bonus point.
Ebbw Vale were reduced to 14 men late in the game as their captain Damien Hudd was shown a straight red card for an innocuous-looking high tackle.
Bedwas tried to take advantage, and had a last-gasp try ruled out for a forward pass, but determined defending from the away side prevented further scores.
With the score at 16-8, the referee blew for full-time, much to the delight of the Ebbw Vale fans, players and management.
Bedwas are back in league action on Sunday April 3, when they travel to Parc y Scarlets to face Llanelli. Kick off is at 2.30pm.
CUP FINAL TRAVEL PLANS
Bedwas RFC have confirmed that they will be putting on transport for supporters attending the club’s Fosters Challenge Cup Final match on Saturday April 9 against Pontypridd in Bridgend.
The club are asking those interested in travelling by coach to The Brewery Fields to sign the list in the foyer of the clubhouse.
Tickets for the big day cost £5 each, and are expected to be much sought-after, so early booking is advised.
Bedwas Chairman Mark Lewis said: “This is the biggest game for Bedwas RFC since we have been playing in the Premiership.
“Pontypridd will have massive support and this is real opportunity for our club to come together to support the boys to win our first cup in this era.
“I would love to see the kids lining up on the field in a guard of honour to greet their team on to the field. I’m hoping everyone makes the effort.”
• Match report and photography by Ian Lovell of Bedwas RFC.