Monthly Archives: November 2021
Ebbw Vale RFC Announce Changes
It is with regret that Chairman Jon Jones is announcing immediate changes at Ebbw Vale RFC
This decision is a mutual decision between the club and Head Coach Greg Woods will see the departure of Greg and his coaching group of, Lewis Roberts, Gethin Robinson and Team Manager Darren Venn
Greg and his team felt that following a run of 8 games without victory they could not carry on and this decision was accepted by Chairman Jon Jones
Jon commented
The club holds high regard for Greg and his team and in a clear display of honesty and integrity they have tendered their resignations to allow the club to build a new coaching group for the coming league season and the return of relegation next season. Greg has endeared himself to the Ebbw Addicts with his openness, understanding of the importance of the club to the community, will to win and pride at being coach of the club delivering some memorable victories, a run to the Semi-finals of the cup and strong finishes in the league. The group also worked tirelessly and without complaint as they dealt with the loss of players and then the onset of Covid and for all of this the club will always be grateful. All will always be welcome at the club and we wish them success in what they choose to do next
Greg Commented
I am fully aware that the recent run of results haven’t been good enough and to date we have had a disappointing season. I would like to thank everyone at the club and there are too many to mention personally for welcoming me and my family and for all the support over the years. I would just like to wish the players, staff, supporters, Jon and the committee all the best in the future
The club officials are working hard to put in place a new coaching regime and will make announcements as soon as they are able
Ebbw’s disappointing start to the season continued as they stooped a 48-10 defeat at the Newport Stadium to table toppers Newport.
It was close early doors, Newport showing their presence up front before Will Griffiths drove over inside two minutes. The wind proving too much for the conversion, and it never eased throughout 80 minutes!
Ebbw soon battled back, despite missing an early shot at goal, Joe Westwood running it out of Ebbw’s half and Euan Rosser with a cracking solo effort to finish in the corner in front of the ‘Ebbw Addicts’.
The windy conditions and the Steelmen weren’t good friends and Newport’s kicking game pinned back the visitors. Ebbw’s yellow card adding a penalty try before Lewis Smout rounded off the half. 19-10 to the Black and Ambers.
It was a half to forget for Ebbw as the hosts rallied to amass a further four tries and to send Greg Woods’ men to their heaviest defeat of the season.
The result saw Ebbw concreted to the foot of the table before the Indigo Group Premiership kicks off in a fortnight’s time.
Next fixture is against Merthyr in the Indigo Welsh Premiership on December 11th at the Wern 2:30pm
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Newport
Your Steelmen squad to take on Newport this Saturday at the Newport Stadium 14:30pm kick off in the Indigo Group Premiership Cup.
Pre purchase your tickets here online in advance https://blackandambers.co.uk/tickets
1) Harry Fry
2) Mikhail Blake
3) Dave Whiting
4) Joe Peard
5) Dan Hill
6) Alex Grey
7) Ben Moa
8) Lewis Young ©
9) Jon Evans
10) Evan Lloyd
11) Euan Rosser
12) Ethan Phillips
13) Joe Westwood
14) Jordan Thomas
15) Dafydd Howells
16) Connor Chapman
17) Rob Sevenoaks
18) Adam Williams
19) Ethan Doyle
20) Owen Young
21) Matthew Flanagan
22) Dan Haymond
23) Carrick McDonough
The Steelmen head to Newport Stadium for their final clash of the Indigo Group Cup match of the season, as they conclude the first half of the 2020-21 season with a Gwent clash. Newport have been historic foes for many years, with the last meeting ending with a convincing 44-17 victory for the visitors.
Ebbw have looked stronger since that day, despite not managing to pick up a win. A gutting last-play try against RGC last Friday costing the Steelmen a first win since Pontypridd back in September.
Expect a tough battle at Newport’s new home as the Black and Amber’s look to top the eastern division of the cup.
Having scored 79 points in their last two games, Greg Woods’ side will be under no illusion of how difficult an outing it’ll be.
The game will be a chance for Ebbw to gain some form before the Indigo Group Premiership begins on December 11, and an opportunity to blow some cobwebs out of the system, as maths now dictate Ebbw will be bottom no matter of Saturday’s result.
The positive news is that the next time we meet Newport – Boxing Day fixture – it’ll be televised on S4C, so hopefully that’ll add to the exposure of the league, gaining much needed credit for the product.
Make sure to pack out Newport Stadium, not Rodney Parade, and give the boys the backing to ensure Newport will #FEELTHESTEEL!!!
The Welsh Rugby Union will team up with S4C to show ‘The Indigo Group Premiership’ matches live online every Thursday night throughout the season ahead.
Starting with Swansea’s trip to face Aberavon at the Talbot Athletic Ground on Thursday 9th December (7.30pm), a different league game will be shown each week.
All of The Indigo Group Premiership clubs are set to benefit from live coverage at least once in the first seven weekends alone, with the matches to be shown via a new S4C series – Rygbi’r Prem.
The matches will be available online on the S4C Clic player, the S4C Facebook Live page and S4C YouTube page and will also feature on the WRU’s own website and WRU Facebook.
There will be 14 rounds of matches to feast on and, in addition to the Thursday night live game, there will be a weekly highlights show shared across the S4C Chwaraeon and WRU social platforms.
Rygbi’r Prem commentary will be provided in Welsh, with an English language option on Clic and You Tube. Several familiar rugby figures will provide analysis throughout the season, with Whisper Cymru will produce S4C’s Indigo Premiership coverage.
“We have worked closely with S4C on a new and exciting plan for The Indigo Group Premiership which we hope will bring in new audiences as well as satisfy the existing fan-base for the very best of Welsh club rugby,” said WRU community director Geraint John.
“All clubs in The Indigo Group Premiership are set to feature in at least one live match during the season, in a regular slot on Thursday evenings.”
“We expect these matches to be watched in clubhouses up and down the country as the competition builds to its exciting crescendo.”
“Merthyr remain the holders after lifting the title in 2019, before the pandemic curtailed the season the following year. But we have introduced a brand new trophy and welcomed a new title sponsor since that time, so we are now searching for the first club to lift our new Indigo Group Premiership silverware.”
Lauren Jenkins will present Rygbi’r Prem, while Whisper Cymru will produce S4C’s Indigo Group Premiership coverage.
Lauren Jenkins said: “The Indigo Group Premiership has it all; quality players and coaches, fierce rivalries and competitive games full of tries. This is the highest level of Welsh club rugby and it’s the bedrock of the game in Wales. And S4C will be the only place where you can follow the Premiership, so make sure you join us online every Thursday night.”
Sue Butler, S4C Sports Commissioner, said: “This is an exciting new venture and one we hope will attract new viewers to the Welsh club game, as well as providing a window on the league for the regular supporters. We’ve developed our online sports coverage over the past few years, and our live coverage of rugby and football, as well as hockey and netball matches, has proved popular. It’s great to partner with the clubs and the Welsh Rugby Union and to showcase the Premiership.”
Live Online matches:
Thursday 9 December Aberavon v Swansea 7.30pm
Thursday 16 December Carmarthen Quins v Llanelli 7.30pm
Sunday 27 December Ebbw Vale v Newport 2.30pm
Sunday 3 January 2022 Llanelli v RGC 1404 5.30pm
Thursday 13 January Bridgend v Pontypridd 7.30pm
Thursday 27 January Cardiff v Ebbw Vale 7.30pm
Congratulations to four Ebbw Vale players who have been selected to represent Crawshay’s this Wednesday evening against the Oxford Blues at Iffley Road with a 7:15pm kick off.
Dan Haymond, Rob Sevenoaks, Lewis Young and Carrick McDonough
Ebbw lost out on a third victory this season with a last play try from RGC. Despite [playing 65 minutes with 14 men, the visitors snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with two late scores to win 22-21 and to complete the double over Ebbw.
It was looking good for Ebbw when Joe Peard powered over to give the hosts the lead early doors, the Steelmen going 7-3 to the good.
A yellow to Dan Hill saw RGC capitalise with a try of their own, putting them three points up at the break. Two quick tries from Ebbw saw a 21-10 commanding lead rock up on the scoreboard and all the pressure was on Ceri Jones’ side to get back into the game. That they did!
Ebbw denied a chance of three points to go seven ahead, opting for the corner instead, but the attack broke down and RGC eventually went the length of the field and crossed in the corner under a penalty advantage.
Greg Woods feeling that a missed opportunity was left out there.
“It was in our hands, we’re disappointed and we did enough but couldn’t get over the line. To lose a game by a point with the last play is always a tough one to swallow.
“We didn’t want to play for the draw, we still had to score to put us two scores clear, I felt it was the right decision at the time to go for the corner, kill some time off the clock and try and get a bonus point. We haven’t scored many tries this year so let’s roll the dice and do it. We didn’t manage the goal line situation very well and it was panic stations from there.
“The youngsters were great again tonight and stood up for us, the half backs who were a new pairing gave us good direction and shape.”
Ebbw go again next week when we take on Gwent rivals Newport at Spytty Stadium – Not Rodney Parade for those who haven’t yet heard.
Ebbw Vale Side To Play RGC
Your Steelmen squad to take on RGC this Friday evening at CiNER Glass Community Stadium EXP 7:15pm kick off in the Indigo Group Premiership Cup.
Let’s have a big home crowd as you are our 16th man! Shouting on the boys and let’s hear that #EbbwEbbwEbbw chant
Purchase your tickets here online https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-cup-friday-19th-november-rgc/
1) Harry Fry
2) Mikhail Blake
3) Dave Whiting
4) Joe Peard
5) Dan Hill
6) Alex Grey
7) Ben Moa
8) Lewis Young ©
9) Jon Evans
10) Evan Lloyd
11) Euan Rosser
12) Ethan Phillips
13) Joe Westwood
14) Jordan Thomas
15) Ryan Evans
16) Connor Chapman
17) Rob Sevenoaks
18) Adam Williams
19) Ethan Doyle
20) Owen Young
21) Matthew Flanagan
22) Dan Haymond
23) Carrick McDonough
Over the past few months our players have been putting their bodies on the line for the badge. Below is a list of players who are currently sidelined due to injury and the length of their injury.
Short term 1-4 weeks – Mid 4-12 weeks – Long term 12+ weeks
Corey Talbot – short term
Dafydd Howells – short term
Lewis Williams – short term
Dom Franchi – mid term injury
Joel Harries – mid term
Rhys Jones – mid term
Richard Powell – mid term
Scott Parsons – mid term
Lance Randall – mid term
Che Hope – mid term
Lewis Bates – mid term
Paul King – long term
Joe Franchi – long term
Luke Garrett – long term
South vs North
Ebbw will take on northern outfit RGC when the floodlit games return to the CiNER Glass Stadium on Friday (7.15pm KO). Both sides have taken a similar approach to the Indigo Group Premiership Cup, developing lots of young and exciting talent to help their squads along for the forthcoming shortened season.
The sides last clashed in October, RGC taking the spoils 17-13 in front of over 1100 supporters in Colwyn Bay. Ebbw lost their captain Joe Franchi to a bicep tear that evening, and he remains out to this day, but with lots of fresh talent coming through the ranks a lot of pride remains at stake with both sides dwelling at the foot of the table.
Ebbw hold up the table on 10 points whilst RGC rose to 17 following a good win at home to Newport last weekend. The Steelmen will be looking to put last Friday’s disappointing result behind them and hope we see similar progress to that of the first hour of the Cardiff match.
In what’ll be the penultimate game of this cup, let’s #PackTheBank and get behind the boys for the final home game until the Premiership returns in December.
Head Coach Greg Woods remains positive that Ebbw can still take something from this season and insists Ebbw will target both their remaining games.
“We’ll target every game, it [Cardiff] was a lot better performance than at Sardis Road, we’ve still got plenty to work on, but parts of last Friday we can build on.”
You can purchase match tickets here; https://t.co/lg5um4hqf1?amp=1
Ebbw fell to what was a sixth straight defeat in a row following their 32-7 loss to Cardiff on Friday night. It wasn’t all the scoreline seemed, with the Steelmen putting in a hell of a shift for an hour, before collapsing under heavy pressure and a flurry of cards.
It was Ebbw who got the scoring underway when a rolling maul shunted its way over, Ryan Evans adding the extras to give the visitors a 7-0 lead. Evans then missed a chance to make it 10-0 following some more Ebbw pressure.
Despite mixed conditions and a late Friday night kick-off the crowd was in good spirits, with shouts of ‘Ebbw’ and ‘Cardiff’ both appearing throughout the night, it was just the former that rung loudest and longest, sadly the last laugh fell with those in Blue and Black.
Ebbw’s Jordan Thomas was sin binned for a deliberate knock-on right before half time and the sides went in Ebbw winning 7-3.
Jon Evans saw yellow on a debut that had many a positive sign from the former Pro12 winning scrum half and after another Jack Maynard penalty, Iestyn Harris crossed the whitewash to send the host into the lead for the first time.
More yellows would come for Evans and Luke Garrett, as would tries for Cardiff. Ioan Evans, Jacob Beetham and a penalty try garnering up a bonus point. Dan Fish the conductor as the rugby orchestra played.
Despite the scoreline Greg Woods remains positive that Ebbw can turn it around and get some positive results in the remaining 2 games of the cup.
“I was extremely pleased with the intensity we brought, and we rattled them for 60 minutes. Then the sheer pressure leads to yellow cards, high tackles and you won’t win games with four yellows. It’s an Achilles heel that we need to sort out, but the quality of Dan Fish came on and accelerated the score, but I don’t think that score reflects the game,” said Woods.
“The scrum struggled, but the lineout and maul were superb, and we really took it too them. I was really pleased with Mikhail Blake and Luke when they came on and built up the scrum, but we lost Corey Talbot again tonight, so we’ll need to assess the damage on him and then we go again.
“We’ll target every game, it was a lot better performance than at Sardis Road, we’ve still got plenty to work on, but parts of tonight we can build on.”
Remember that RGC is a 7:15pm kick-off next Friday, and we hope to see you all there! #FEELTHESTEEL
Video highlights here https://youtu.be/r7MvEHY_E3c
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Cardiff
Your Steelmen squad to take on Caridff on Friday evening at Cardiff Arms Park 7:15pm kick off in the Indigo Group Premiership Cup. Jon Evans will make his first start for the club at 9.
Greg Woods said ahead of the fixture, “it’s about doing justice to the shirt, we had fantastic support over here [Sardis Road] last weekend. I said the effort must be there, dig in and that shouldn’t change. We know Cardiff are a huge challenge and there’s no hiding from it.
We are calling all Ebbw supporters, our 16th man to come along and shout on the Steelmen!
Covid Entry Requirements
A valid Covid Pass or negative lateral flow test will be required to attend the game. Full Covid guidelines can be found on the website: http://cardiffrfc.com/covid-19-guidelines?fbclid=IwAR2q3p02GCjFgEiDbbNYCBAv5HT54O6w6lzkyQuGzhr9MhEyeA72cHAvSFA
1) Harry Fry
2) Connor Chapman
3) Dave Whiting
4) Joe Peard
5) Corey Talbot
6) Dan Hill
7) Alex Grey
8) Lewis Young
9) Jon Evans
10) Ryan Evans
11) Jordan Thomas
12) Ethan Philips
13) Dafydd Howells (c)
14) Euan Rosser
15) Dan Haymond
16) Luke Garrett
17) Mikhail Blake
18) Scott Evans
19) Ethan Doyle
20) Owen Young
21) Matthew Flanagan
22) Mike Powell
23) Carrick McDonough
Ebbw Vale are delighted to announce the signing of former Scarlets, Dragons and Bath scrum half Jonathan Evans.
The 29 year old scrum half joins after being released by the Scarlets having made 17 appearances and scoring 25 points. The Penallta product has been working in recruitment since being release by the Scarlets but is chomping at the bit to get back playing.
Jonathan has also represented Wales U20’s gaining 18 caps, as well as featuring for Bargoed, Newport, Bedwas, Carmarthen Quins, Pontypool and Cross Keys RFC. This shows the experience Jon will bring to the side from playing in the Welsh Premiership and international level.
Jon commented “I am really looking forward to the challenge that the new premiership season is going to bring. I know how good and loyal the Ebbw Vale supporters are and I am looking forward to working with a great coaching team and a great group of players at Ebbw Vale”
Head Coach Greg Woods said “ It’s great to bring Jon into the squad ahead of the league campaign. His experience and game management will be valuable for our young squad going forward. I am excited to work with him and he will be a real good addition no doubt.
Ebbw head to the big city!
Ebbw Vale head to the Arms Park this Friday as they take on perennial bogey team Cardiff RFC.
Both teams head into the clash following a loss, Ebbw’s a 31-3 hammering at Sardis Road whilst Cardiff lost 25-28 to the now table toppers Newport, who Ebbw still have to face away from home this season.
Ebbw’s recent trips to the capital have proved far from fruitful, falling to a 78-12 defeat in the cup a week after a narrow 12-8 defeat, in the league.
When the sides met at the CiNER Glas Community Stadium earlier this season the visitors walked away with a victory in the rain, hitting the Steelmen with their first defeat of the season, 27-3 the result that day.
Memories of away days on Friday nights at Cardiff aren’t always negative and supporters – who will need a Covid pass or negative LFT result to get into the ground – will be hoping of an upset, similar to the 16-11 victory in the cup back in 2013.
Looking ahead to the game, Head Coach Greg Woods said, “it’s about doing justice to the shirt, we had fantastic support over here [Sardis Road] again today. I said the effort must be there, dig in and that shouldn’t change. We know Cardiff are a huge challenge and there’s no hiding from it.
“We can only get stronger as we get boys back, but I couldn’t tell you what the side will be for Friday, we’ve just got to get to Tuesday and go from there.
“I thought Dawid was brilliant (vs Ponty) but he goes with Poland now for two weeks, with our blessing. Dan Hill, Oggy Doyle, Alex Grey put in a hell of shift today, but they’re battered and have to go again in six days
Kick-off is 7.15PM on Friday night, so make sure to venture down to Cardiff and get the boys back on track after falling to the foot of the table last week.
#FEELTHESTEEL
Ebbw feel the ‘Pain’
Ebbw succumbed to their fifth successive defeat in the Indigo Group Premiership Cup, falling foul to a 31-3 drubbing at the aptly named ‘Stadium of Pain.’
It was always destined to be one of those days when fly half Lewis K Williams pulled up injured in the warm-up and a charge down try in less than 20 seconds kicked us off. Despite huge possession, Ponty couldn’t find their way past for the rest of competitive first half, only three more points adding to the host tally before the break.
A quick exchange of penalties early in the second half gave the vocal travelling support hope of a comeback, but those three points were the last chalked up on the ‘visitors’ side of the chalkboard.
Tries from Llywarch ap Myrddin, Dale Stuckey’s second and the ever-popular penalty try took the game away from the Steelmen and gave Ponty their bonus point. With Richard Powell and Dom Franchi also taking knocks, the latter looking a major concern for the rest of the cup season, the afternoon soon grew weary.
Ebbw’s lineout was much better than previous weeks, but the scrum crumbled under pressure, leading to the second Stuckey try – which may I add was a superbly worked training ground move, executed perfectly by Ponty.
Despite the loss, Greg Woods remains positive that they can turn it around and will use this as a growing point for league seasons ahead. “We were up against it depth-wise in the squad, but I was pleased at half time. We were in the game against the wind, brought Richard Powell on to play the kicking game, got to 8-3, then he has a bump and it unravelled from there.
“The set piece was better, and the back row were superb, but it’s a tough one to swallow. We’ve got to get better and go again in six days’ time against Cardiff.”
“We’ve got a huge challenge coming in six days’ time, we lost some more boys today, but we’ve got to go again. Losing our vice-captain, we’ve got to decide who leads the side over the next few weeks.”
Unfortunately, the loss, combined with an RGC win over Merthyr sees the Steelmen drop the foot of the table.
Get to Cardiff on Friday and let’s back the boys, make some noise and #FEELTHESTEEL!!!
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Ponty
Your Steelmen squad to take on Pontypridd at Sardis Road this Saturday in the Indigo Group Premiership Cup 1pm kick off.
Greg Woods said ahead of the fixture, We are looking forward to going to Sardis Road as it’s a great place to play rugby. The squad has trained well this week and we are excited to play.
We are calling all Ebbw supporters, our 16th man to come along and shout on the Steelmen!
1) Luke Garrett
2) Connor Chapman
3) Dave Whiting
4) Ethan Doyle
5) Dan Hill
6) Alex Grey
7) David Rubasniak
8) Lewis Young
9) Jack Harvey
10) Ryan Evans
11) Jordan Thomas
12) Ethan Phillips
13) Dom Franchi
14) Dafydd Howells
15) Dan Haymond
16) Mikhail Blake
17) Joel Harries
18) Scott Evans
19) Harry Harding
20) Matthew Flanagan
21) Lewis K Williams
22) Richard Powell
23) Mike Powell
Ebbw head to Sardis
By Robert Rees
Ebbw will be making the trip to Sardis Road for an amended 1pm kick-off this Saturday, which is good news for those who want to watch both the Steelmen and Wales.
The ‘Stadium of Pain’ isn’t an easy place to travel to for any side, but Ebbw will be hoping to overhaul a four-game losing streak! The sides met at the CiNER Glass Stadium, Eugene Cross Park for those of gone-by days, back in late September, the hosts coming out on top of that one, Dom Franchi grabbing the game’s lone try.
The last home tie saw Ebbw lose narrowly to Merthyr in what was a much-improved performance on bygone weeks, with plenty of young talent showing what they are capable of. The boys will be hoping to transfer their frustration at not being able to claw back victory a fortnight ago into a double of Ponty.
On a another Franchi note, supporters will be pleased to hear Joe Franchi’s bicep surgery has gone well and he’s on the road to recovery.
Ponty site just three points ahead of Greg Woods’ side, a gap he’s hoping to overhaul this weekend to send Ebbw up to fourth in the Premiership Cup East table.
Woods adding, “the artificial surfaces have done us well this season, we can’t wait to play on it. Everyone can see we’re playing a more expansive game, but we must make sure we are sharp in defence because Ponty play a similar way and can hurt us if we make mistakes.”
The last successful visit we made to Sardis Road was way back in 2016, ending with a 41-25 victory, and the travelling support will be hoping of a repeat of both that game and the most famous day in Ebbw’s modern history, our Principality Premiership – as it was then! – victory in 2015.
Make sure to get down to Sardis, bring your colours and make them #FEELTHESTEEL!!!
We are pleased to announce that the Dragons will be travelling into the community later this week and hosting an open training session at Ebbw Vale RFC on Friday, November 5.
The Men of Gwent will take to the field at the CiNER Glass Community Stadium at Eugene Cross Park – and are inviting supporters to come watch!
The event is FREE to watch with gates open from 1pm with the session beginning at 2pm.
It will be an opportunity for supporters to watch the squad step-up their preparations ahead of the return to United Rugby Championship action against Edinburgh at Rodney Parade on Saturday, November 27.
