Howells bemoans 'unacceptable' performance

The Pontypridd coach, Lynn Howells, was an extremely disappointed man after watching his Welsh Premiership title-chasing side lose 10-6 at home to Ebbw Vale on Saturday.

"This was an abysmal display," Howells said of the surprising set-back. "Everything about the way we played was absent. The players were inept today and this is totally unacceptable. This has surely brought them all back to earth with a bang.

"We just did not play. We never took our chances and even the more experienced of our squad were guilty of this. Full marks to Ebbw Vale – they deserved the win."

It was previously unbeaten Ponty's worst display of the season in perfect weather conditions on a heavy wet pitch after they started strongly. They had the better of the early exchanges but as the half developed Vale came more into the action.

Starting the second half level at 3-3, Ponty continued to struggle and even bringing on Michael Owen and Richard Parks made little difference. In the closing stages the visitors finally took advantage to go back on the attack, and stole the victory with a try from Scott Mitchell, which was converted by Shelbourne.