EBBW Vale got their season off to an excellent start when they beat Swansea 21-14 in a pre-season friendly at Mountain Ash on Saturday.

League champions Swansea rested their British Lions, but Vale, fielding a clutch of new players, proved too good.

At one stage they led 21-0, and it was not until late in the game that Swansea got their points.

Biggest success of their newcomers was full back Matt James, a player coach Mike Ruddock believes has a lot of potential, also capable of playing at outside half. Former Neath back row forward Kati Tuipoluto was another success.

Half backs Gareth Betts and Scott Mitchell developed a good understanding, and the Vale defence was outstanding.

Wales international David Weatherley (pictured) was missing with a slight shoulder injury, but is expected to be fit for Saturday night's league opener at Llanelli. Swansea are reeling from injury blows to two of their Lions.

Wales centre Mark Taylor could be out for six months with a recurrence of his knee injury, while fellow international, prop Darren Morris faces two months on the sidelines with a damaged knee.