Monthly Archives: January 2024
Ebbw Score Try Bonanza
The Steelmen ran in eleven tries in a one-sided contest in a game where Cameron Regan captained Ebbw on his 200th appearance.
The hosts came out on the front foot and scored their first try within the opening four minutes. An excellent chip through, saw full back Morgan Richards collect the ball and score out wide. Outside half Evan Lloyd was unsuccessful in adding the two points.
Ebbw soon scored their second try of the afternoon. Good work by the forwards, saw second row Dylan Barlett pick up the ball and drive over the line. Fly half Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.
With the home side having total dominance, Ieuan Morris got his name on the scoresheet after a catch and drive from a lineout within the Neath twenty-two in the twenty third minute. Lloyd again added the two points to make the score 19-0 to the Steelmen.
The Steelmen collected a try scoring bonus point moments later. After good play by the forwards, a chip over the defence by outside half Lloyd saw centre Ethan Phillips collect the ball and hand off three players before powering over the line to score. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.
With Neath unable to get out of their own twenty-two, the hosts scored their fifth try of the afternoon a minute before the break. From a scrum on the away side five metre line, scrum half Rory Harries picked up the ball from the back of the scrum, ran at the defence and stretched his arm out over the line to score his first try of the afternoon. Lloyd was unable to add the extras from out wide.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 31 Neath RFC 0
Within five minutes of the restart, Ebbw Vale’s Rory Harries added to his try tally. After being awarded a penalty on the halfway line, quick thinking by the scrum half, saw Harries take a quick tap and run in under the posts unattended. Number ten Lloyd added the two points.
Minutes later the hosts were reduced to fourteen when outside half Evan Lloyd was sent to the sin bin by English referee Jack Moorhouse for ten minutes after a no arms tackle.
The Steelmen’s coach Jason Strange made his first changes of the afternoon after fifty-two minutes. Joint club captain Joe Franchi replaced hooker Ieuan Morris, flanker Ben Main came off for Lewis Young and number eight Ryan Jenkins came on for Alex Howes.
The visitors took advantage of their numerical supremacy by scoring a well taken try. Inside the hosts twenty-two quick passes out wide to Louis Rees, saw the winger speed over in the corner. However, the conversion was unsuccessful by no.10 Steff Williams.
Substitute Joe Franchi made an instant impact. Within a minute of coming on, the hooker added his name to the scoresheet. From a lineout in the Neath half, a catch and drive ended with Franchi diving on the line to score his sides seventh try of the afternoon. With Lloyd off, Kieran Meek was successful with his first kick of the afternoon.
Ebbw Vale scrum half Harries scored his hat trick of tries in the fifty-six minute. A break by hooker Franchi, saw the co-captain pass to the scrum half, who used his strength to go over. Meek again added two extra points.
Home side coach Strange replaced props Luke Garrett and Adam Court with Morgan Davies and Owen Hatherill, Ewan McIntyre replaced captain Cameron Regan and moments later Dom Franchi came on for winger Jordan Thomas.
Five minutes later, a precise kick through saw home centre Phillips collect the ball, draw the covering defender and send Harries over the line who popped the ball to Evan Lloyd to score. Fly half Lloyd added the two points.
With Neath throwing the ball out to the wing on the halfway line, centre Keiran Meek intercepted the ball and showed a clean pair of heels to go under the posts un to score the hosts tenth try of the afternoon.
Scrum half Jon Evans replaced Rory Harries for the Steelmen’s last change of the game.
With four minutes left on the clock, the experienced scrum half saw a gap down the blind side. With winger Ewan Bowden on his shoulder, the scrum half passed to the winger. With two defenders in front of him, Bowden put in a well weighted kick to out pace his opposite number, get to the ball before the covering full back and chip ahead to dive on the ball over the line. Outside half Lloyd scored the last two points of the game.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 73 Neath RFC 5
Tries: Rory Harries (3), Joe Franchi (1), Ieaun Morris (1), Morgan Richards (1), Ewan Bowden (1), Ethan Phillips (1), Dylan Bartlett (1), Kieran Meek (1) Evan Lloyd (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (7) Kieran Meek (2)
Man of the match: Rory Harries
After the game we spoke to Ebbw Vale winger and try scorer Ewan Bowden. Ewan was pleased with the team’s performance, especially considering Neath’s current league position. He thought it would have been easy to become complacent, however, the team kept to their basics and DNA really well and was happy to come away with the victory.
Finally, Ewan paid tribute to Cameron Regan after the flanker made his 200th appearance for the club. Ewan congratulated Cameron and said he put his heart and soul into his performance on the pitch and led the team to a very good victory.
Ebbw Vale’s next league game is away to Bridgend RFC at the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday 17th February 2024 at 2:30pm.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Everyone involved with Ebbw Vale RFC wish to congratulations Cameron Regan on making his 200th appearance for the Steelmen on Saturday when he captained the team for the first time in the 73-5 victory over Neath. Cam, in his 10th season at the club, epitomises the Steelmen ethics and values of hard work and commitment whenever he takes the field and is a real leader both on and off it.
Cameron first joined the Steelmen for the 2011/12 season and played for 9 seasons before joining Pontypool RFC in 2021. He was an integral member of the Division 1 and Championship winning squads as well as the Welsh Premiership winning team in 2015/16. Cam has always been popular with both players and supporters and won many accolades for his performances on the field during his first spell at the club, winning the Addicts Most Promising Player in 2013/14, the Addicts Player of the Year twice in 2014/15 and 2017/18 and also being voted the Denzil Williams Players Player of the Year in 2013/14.
Cameron returned to the Steelmen at the start of this season and has once again become a firm favourite with the Addicts and players within the squad.
On making his 200th appearance for the Steelmen, Cam commented,
“It is a privilege to play rugby for Ebbw Vale and a massive honour to get to 200 games. Never did I think I would get to 200 when I first came to the club, but it’s been a hell of a ride and without the support of my family and friends this wouldn’t have been possible. 200 not out!”
Congratulations Cam! A True Steelman!
#200NotOut
Jason Strange has made a number of changes to the starting lineup for the visit of Neath RFC to the CINER GLASS Community Stadium on Saturday with Luke Garrett and Ieuan Morris starting in the front row, Rory Harries partnering Evan Lloyd at half back and Kieran Meek replacing Dom Franchi at centre.
The team will be captained by Cameron Regan who will be making his 200th appearance for the Steelmen against Neath.
This will be the 3rd meeting between the sides this season with the Steelmen having already beaten Neath twice this campaign at the Lextan Gnoll; 40-19 in the Premiership Cup and 35-17 in the Indigo Premiership.
The Ebbw Vale Team:
15. Morgan Richards 14. Ewan Bowden 13. Ethan Phillips 12. Kieran Meek 11. Jordan Thomas 10. Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1. Luke Garrett 2. Ieuan Morris 3. Adam Court 4. Dylan Bartlett 5. Curtis Gregory 6. Cameron Regan (CAPT) 7. Ben Main 8. Alex Howes
Replacements will be confirmed on Saturday before kickoff.
On making his 200th appearance for the Steelmen, Cam commented,
“It is a privilege to play rugby for Ebbw Vale and a massive honour to get to 200 games. Never did I think I would get to 200 when I first came to the club, but it’s been a hell of a ride and without the support of my family and friends this wouldn’t have been possible. 200 not out!”
Get along to the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Saturday at 2.30pm to celebrate Cam’s 200th game and cheer on the boys against the Welsh All Blacks.
Ebbw Vale RFC v Neath RFC
Saturday 27th January
Ciner Glass Community Stadium
Kick Off: 2.30pm
Tickets can be purchased at the following link: https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/27th-january-ebbw-vale-v-neath-rfc/
Steelmen Selected for Wales U20s Squad
The Steelmen wish to congratulate Harry Rees-Weldon and Owen Conquer for their selection in the Wales Under 20s squad for the 6 Nations tournament this year.
Harry, who was a member of the Steelmen Youth team last season, has broken into the Ebbw Vale Senior Squad this season making 10 appearances on the wing, scoring 3 tries in the process.
Owen joined the Steelmen this season after our link up with Christ College, Brecon in the summer and has made a huge impact in the back row making 10 appearances and scoring 2 tries.
Both players have become an integral part of the Steelmen team this year and everyone at the club is proud of their selection for the Welsh U20s squad.
Good luck, boys! Enjoy the experience.
Drovers Take the Spoils in Top of the Table Clash
The Steelmen narrowly lost to the Drovers in a physical hard-fought top of the table clash at Church Bank on Saturday by 17 -15.
Playing against the elements in the first half, the Steelmen dominated territory and possession but were unable to turn their dominance into points on the scoreboard, leading by only 3-0 from an Evan Lloyd penalty after 25 minutes.
The Drovers then scored two tries through a close-range effort by Hooker Craig Thomas and a penalty try following an illegal tackle by full back Morgan Richards on winger Adam Warren as the first half came to its conclusion to give Llandovery a 14 points to 3 lead at half time.
Half Time Score
Llandovery RFC 14 Ebbw Vale RFC 3
Despite the half time score, the Steelmen, playing with the elements, were confident of overturning the half time deficit. However the first points of the 2nd half were to come from Llandovery kicker Jack Maynard to extend the Drover’s lead to 14 points (17-3)
The Steelmen started to get a foothold in the game again putting pressure on the Drovers team upfront through scrum and driving maul. After 51 minutes, Jason Strange made his first change with Harry Drane replacing Adam Court in the front row. The Steelmen were soon awarded a penalty try of their own after Llandovery collapsed a driving maul before Dylan Bartlett also crashed over the line to make the score 17 -15. Evan Lloyd was unable to add the conversion to make the scores level.
Further changes for the Steelmen were Luke Garrett replacing Morgan Davies and Cameron Regan coming onto the field of Ewan McIntyre after 58 minutes and Ryan Jenkins and Ieuan Morris replacing Alex Howes and Joe Franchi for the final 10 minutes.
The Steelmen continued to pile on the pressure in the Drover’s half and were awarded successive penalties which unfortunately kicker Evan Lloyd was unable to send through the uprights to give the Steelmen the lead.
The Drovers were able to hold on for victory with the Steelmen picking up a bonus point for their efforts.
Full Time Score
Llandovery RFC 17 Ebbw Vale RFC 15
Scorers:
Tries: Dylan Bartlett, Penalty Try
Pens Evan Lloyd
Both league games between the Drovers and the Steelmen have been close, physical encounters this season with each side winning one game. The sides will meet again at the start of March at Aberavon in the Premiership Cup Semi-Finals
The Steelmen will be back in action on Saturday 27th January when we entertain Neath RFC at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium with a 2.30pm kick off.
Jason Strange has made two changes to the starting lineup for the game against Llandovery RFC at Church Bank on Saturday with Ewan Bowden coming into the team to replace Carrick Mcdonough and Adam Court starting at Tight Head in place of Harry Drane.
The Steelmen will be looking to complete the league double over Llandovery after beating them 25-17 earlier in the season at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.
Joe Franchi continues to captain the side at hooker while youngsters Ewan McIntyre and Ben Main keep their starting places in the back row after excellent performances in the victory of RGC the previous week.
Ebbw Vale Team
- Morgan Richards 14. Ewan Bowden 13. Ethan Phillips 12. Dom Franchi 11. Jordan Thomas 10. Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans
1.Morgan Davies 2. Joe Franchi 3. Adam Court 4. Dylan Bartlett 5. Curtis Gregory 6. Ewan McIntyre 7. Ben Main 8. Alex Howes
Replacements to be confirmed before kick off on Saturday.
EA TRAVEL
The Welfare will be open on Saturday morning for bacon rolls.
The Addicts will be leaving for Llandovery at 12pm from the Welfare and will return at 5.30pm.
For those making their own way to Church Bank, the postcode for your SAT NAV is: SA20 0BA
Llandovery RFC
Church Bank Playing Fields
Llandovery
Carmarthenshire
SA20 0BA
The Steelmen look to return to winning ways when they make the trip to North Wales to face Ceri Jones’ RGC team in what is sure to be a tough, physical battle. The Steelmen came out on top earlier in the season when they beat RGC 26 – 10 at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.
Jason Strange has made a number of changes to the team for the game with Jordan Thomas returning on the wing following injury and exciting young prospects Ewan McIntyre and Ben Main starting in the back row alongside Alex Howes. Joe Franchi continues to captain the side. Replacements will be confirmed before kick off
The Ebbw Vale starting XV is as follows:
- Morgan Richards 14. Carrick Mcdonough 13. Ethan Phillips 12. Dom Franchi 11. Jordan Thomas 10. Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans
1. Morgan Davies 2. Joe Franchi 3. Harry Drane 4. Dylan Bartlett 5. Curtis Gregory 6. Ewan McIntyre 7. Ben Main 8. Alex Howes
Replacements are from: Rhys Francis, Ieuan Morris, Luke Garrett, Adam Court, Owen Hatherill, Lewis Young, Jakub Malecki, Kobi Rees, Rory Harries, Kieran Meek, Ewan Bowden and Amir Jiwa-Walji
Ebbw Addicts
The Addicts are leaving the Welfare at 8.45am. The Welfare will be open from 8.00am for breakfast before leaving for RGC.
For those making their own way to North Wales, the address is: Parc Eirias, Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay, Conwy LL29 7SP
Ebbw’s unbeaten home run comes to an end
Cardiff brought the Steelmen’s unbeaten home run this season to an end on a cold winter’s day.
The home side took the lead early on through an Evan Lloyd penalty. However, the visitors soon brought the game level through outside half Harrison James.
The Rags were reduced to fourteen men just before the half hour mark, after flanker Nathan Hudd was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes.
With the home side trying to get a foothold in the game, scrum half Jon Evans saw a gap in the away sides defence. With a two man overlap outside him, the experienced scrum half decided to go alone. However, the play came to nothing.
With no further scores being added to the scoreboard, the referee Ben Breakspear blew his whistle to make it all square at half time.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 3 Cardiff RFC 3
The hosts were soon back in front shortly after the restart, after marksman Lloyd was successful with a penalty.
The away side soon drew level again with a penalty. However, Lloyd was again on hand to kick his third penalty of the afternoon to put Ebbw back in front.
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange started to make the changes and replaced props Harry Drane and Morgan Davies with Adam Court and Luke Garrett.
The first try of the game was scored by the away side. A breakthrough the defence by the Rags centre and offload led to the ball being passed to replacement scrumhalf Jamie Hill, who went over out wide. The visitors were unable to add the extra two points.
The hosts coach Strange made further changes. Winger Amir Jiwa Walji was replaced by Ewan Bowden, forwards Ewan McIntyre and Kobi Rees replaced Cameron Regan and Owen Conquer, Rory Harries came on for Jon Evans, hooker Ieuan Morris replaced Joe Franchi and Kieran Meek replaced centre Dom Franchi.
With Cardiff having the momentum and a scrum in the Steelmen’s twenty-two, quick possession from the scrum saw the home defence hold tight. Quick recycling of the ball, saw it land at the hands of Ethan Phillips, who powered through the defence and over the try line to extend the visitors lead. Jacob Lloyd successful kicked the conversion.
Deep into injury time the away side scored their third try of the game. From a driving maul in the Ebbw twenty-two, the ball went through the hands and out wide to winger Dewi Cross who crossed for the final points of the game.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 9 Cardiff RFC 23
Ebbw Addicts Man Of The Match: Dom Franchi
Scorers :Penalties: Evan Lloyd (3)
Ebbw Vale’s next game is away to RGC on Saturday 13th January 2024 at Park Eirias, with kick off at 14:30.
Written By Alex Kinsella-Evans
Ebbw Vale RFC play Cardiff RFC for the 3rd time this season when they entertain them at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium. The Steelmen will be looking to make it 3 wins in a row against Cardiff having beaten them in the league 36-20 at the Arms Park in September and 27-15 in the Premiership Cup in December at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.
Jason Strange makes several changes to the Steelmen squad with Amir Jiwa-Walji and Jon Evans returning to the starting XV in the backs, while Morgan Davies and Cameron Regan start in the pack. Ewan Bowden, Kieran Meek, and Adam Court return to the squad on the bench.
The full Steelmen squad is:
15 Morgan Richards 14 Carrick Mcdonough 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Amir Jiwa-Walji 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans
1 Morgan Davies 2 Joe Franchi (CAPT) 3 Harry Drane 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Owen Conquer 7 Cameron Regan 8 Alex Howes
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris 17 Luke Garrett 18 Adam Court 19 Ewan McIntyre 20 Kobi Rees 21 Rory Harries 22 Kieran Meek 23 Ewan Bowden
The match sees both Evan Lloyd and Jon Evans pass 50 games for the Steelmen.
Ebbw Vale RFC would also like to wish Harry Rees-Weldon the best of luck with the Wales U20s squad this weekend.
Match Details
Ebbw Vale RFC v Cardiff RFC
Saturday 6th January
Ciner Glass Community Stadium
Kick Off 2.30pm
Match Day Tickets
You can purchase tickets for the game at the following link: https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/6th-january-ebbw-vale-v-cardiff-rfc/