Ebbw Vale came away from Virginia Park with a hard- fought but deserved victory against premiership strugglers Caerphilly, who are propping up the tables.

Vale showed a good deal of enterprise throughout the 80 minutes, with their backs looking particularly threatening against a doggedly determined but outcast Caerphilly outfit.

The visitors got off to a good start when Jason Williams put over two long-range penalties. And it all looked too easy when Craig Cleaver went over for a try under the posts after Williams had carved up the gaping Caerphilly defence.

But an outstanding individual try by veteran centre Roddy Boobyer gave Vale a fright. On the stroke of half-time Vale captain Kristian Owen gave his side a 20-10 lead. Jason Williams once again created the opportunities.

Prop Ben Coutts was sin-binned in the 33rd minute for persistent offside as Caerphilly started to exert some serious pressure on the Vale line. And the game looked far from over when Caerphilly's Paul Jones grabbed a try which narrowed the deficit to just five points.

The home side threw everything at the visitors, but Vale wethered the storm well and managed to get out of jail with two late Williams penalties which saw the Valleys team comfortably home and dry.

Full back James Rowles effectively came into the line and threatened repeatedly as Vale tried to move the ball at every opportunity, but pride of place goes to Williams, who marshalled his backs to great effect throughout the afternoon.

However, it was a good team performance when faced by a Caerphilly side determined to put their woes behind them.

Caerphilly: J Thomas, J Brinkworth (G Howells 55), R Boobyer, I Carter, M Silcox; T Price, A Jacobs (M Thomas 14), T Hearne (B Edwards 55), L Pearce, G McCarthy, M Workman (T Evans) P Jones, S Witcomb, A Williams (captain) A Edwards. Scorers - Tries: R Boobyer, P Jones; Conversions - J Thomas; Penalty -Thomas.

Ebbw Vale: J Rowles, J Griffin, K Owen (captain) J Hawker, A Bevan, J Williams, S Heddington (R Jones 69), L Davies, M Williams, B Coutts, G Jones, K Faletau (M Tuipulotu 54) P Skillen (R Aylett 54), M Scudamore, C Cleaver. Scorers - Tries - C Cleaver, K Owen; Conversions - J Williams (2); Penalties - Williams (4).