Author Archives: Andrew Phillips

Ebbw Hit The Fifty-Point Mark

The hosts put in a dominant performance to secure a bonus point victory by scoring 8 tries.

The Steelmen came out of the blocks strongly and soon scored their first points of the game. After being awarded consecutive penalties, captain Rhys Francis opted for a scrum inside the Quins twenty-two. Number eight Alex Howes picked up the ball and went over the try lined unopposed to score his sides first try of the game. Prolific points scorer Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

The home side quickly backed the try up with another. From a much-improved lineout the ball made its way to winger Amir Jiwa-Walji. A clean break by the winger saw Jiwa-Walji draw the defender and pass to supporting runner Rory Harries, who charged over the line to touch down. Fly half Lloyd again successfully added the two points.

With the home side on top a scrum to Carmarthen on the halfway line, saw a loose pass go into space. Ebbw Vale speedster Carrick McDonough, back playing on the wing, picked up the ball and showed a clean pair of heels to touch down under the posts. Lloyd again added the extra two points.

The Ebbw Vale scrum was dominant. With the away side putting into the scrum inside their half, the referee awarded the Steelmen a penalty. A kick to the corner by Lloyd saw the hosts have a lineout. From which, the forwards set up a maul which resulted in captain Francis dotting down over the line to score his teams bonus point try. On this occasion fly half Lloyd was unable to add the extra two points.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 26 Carmarthen Quins 0

The away side came out and started the second half strongly. After some decent defending, home coach Jason Strange replaced hooker Rhys Francis with Ieuan Morris.

Carmarthen scored their first try of the afternoon after good play from a lineout. The two points were added successfully to reduce the deficit.

With the home forwards wrestling the ascendancy back, a further penalty from a scrum inside the visitors twenty-two saw the home side elect for another scrum. A huge push by the pack resulted in scrum half Harries scoring his second try of the game and Ebbw Vale’s fifth of the afternoon. Outside half Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

Further changes by the Steelmen’s coach Strange, saw second row Jakub Malecki replace Dylan Baartlett and prop Owen Hatherill come on for Adam Court.

The Quins were soon reduced to fourteen men when the referee awarded replacement Garan Williams a yellow card for ill-discipline. This appeared to spur the away side on and they scored their second try of the game. However, flyhalf Wilson was unable to add the extras.

Jason Strange continued to make changes to the hosts. Prop Harry Drane came on for Luke Garrett, Ewan McIntyre came on for flanker Ben Main, who was making his first start for Ebbw and winger Amir Jiwa-Walji was replaced by Ewan Bowden.

The Steelmen scored their sixth try when number eight Alex Howes went on a trademark barn storming run from around the visitors twenty-two line to touch down out wide. Top points scorer Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

Ebbw Vale continued their dominance with Curtis Gregory stretching over the line to score the home side’s seventh try of the afternoon. Lloyd again kicked the conversion.

That was to be the outside half’s last action in the game as Lloyd was replaced by centre Dominic Franchi. Inside centre for the day Keiran Meek switched back to his more familiar role of fly half to accommodate the centre.

With replacements being made, the Steelmen pack kept their strong form going, when from a lineout inside the twenty-two, prop Harry Drane did well to score the hosts eight try of the afternoon and take their tally to over fifty points for the game. Meek successfully added the two points.

Credit to the away side, who never gave up and scored their third and fourth tries late in the game to take home a try scoring bonus point from the afternoon.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 54 Carmarthen Quins 24

Man of the match: Curtis Gregory

Tries: Alex Howes (2), Rory Harries (2), Rhys Francis (1), Curtis Gregory (1), Harry Drane (1), Carrick McDonough (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (6) Keiran Meek (1)

After the game we spoke with double try scorer and scrumhalf Rory Harries. Rory was pleased with the performance the team put in, the amount of tries scored and to come away with the result. Whilst being happy with his own performance, Rory was quick to acknowledge it was a team collective, and praised the team for putting him in the positions they did, particularly from a dominant scrum.

The Steelmen are next in action on Saturday 23^rd December when Merthyr RFC visit the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

The match will also be Christmas Jumper Day at the Welfare.

The Steelmen return to league action tomorrow when they entertain Carmarthen Quins at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

The game is the first since the passing of Gareth Howls this week and the club will be holding a minute’s silence before the game to pay respect to the Steelmen legend.

On the field, Jason Strange has made several changes to the starting lineup which sees Morgan Richards return at full back and Ben Main making his first senior start for the Steelmen in the back row. Rory Harris comes into the starting XV at scrum half while Kieran Meek starts at inside centre. Rhys Francis continues as captain of the team.

The bench sees the return of Ewan McIntyre, Owen Hatherill and Ewan Bowden to the match day squad.

Ebbw Vale Team

15 Morgan Richards 14 Carrick Mcdonough 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Kieran Meek 11 Amir Jiwa-Walji 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries

1Luke Garrett 2 Rhys Francis (CAPT) 3 Adam Court 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Greogory 6 Ben Main 7 Lewis Young 8 Alex Howes

16 Rhys Francis 17 Morgan Davies 18 Owen Hatherill 19 Jakub Malecki 20 Ewan McIntyre 21 Jon Evans 22 Dom Franchi 23 Ewan Bowden

The club would also like to wish Owen Conquer, Harry Rees-Weldon and Kobi Rees the best of luck as they represent Wales U20s against Scotland this weekend.

Match Details

Ebbw Vale RFC v Carmarthen Quins

Saturday 16^th December

2.30pm

Ciner Glass Community Stadium

#SupportTheSteelmen #FeelTheSteel

Gareth Howls

The Club has lost one of its greatest players.

Gareth Howls has left us after a long illness but he will be remembered with admiration, affection by those who played with him and generations of Ebbw Valians who were privileged to watch him. He played as prop or lock for Ebbw Vale, the Barbarians, the Gwent and British Police, Crawshay’s Welsh and the County teams against the All-Blacks and Springboks.  

He was Ebbw Vale Player of the Year in 1975, captain of the club four seasons in the Seventies, played four times for Wales A, was a Wales Reserve and worthy of a full cap. He made his debut for his one and only club in September 1965 and retired in 1981 after 608 appearances, a club record.

A Detective Sergeant, Gareth was an outstanding forward and a rugby character and a great tourist whether in Cornwall on the annual end of season tour, in Italy playing as a guest for Zebre or California. His memory will never be dimmed, he really was and remains, one of our greatest.  His years of dedicated service to Ebbw Vale was an example to those who follow him in the team today.

Message from Chairman Jon Jones,

Ebbw Vale has lost one of its most iconic players and one of my childhood heroes. Since becoming Chair of the club, I was fortunate enough to spend time with Gareth at a few home games, all he wanted was to see the club doing well and playing quality rugby offering administrators, coaches and players encouragement, whilst at the same time ensuring that we all understood what the Ebbw Vale badge stood for. 

The Annual award for Club Captain was changed to the Gareth Howls Captains Award, a tribute to his great presence as a Captain, Leader, and Player and his 608 games for the club will remain for eternity marking his enormous contribution to Ebbw Vale RFC.

All at the club are thinking of Gareth’s wife, Stella and family at this sad time.

The Steelmen March On

Ebbw marched on to the semi-final of the WRU Premiership Cup following a second win over Cardiff this season.

Straight from the get go, the hosts took it to their visitors and after a lengthy period of pressure inside the 22, Evan Lloyd knocked over the game’s first points. The Ebbw scrum was rapidly becoming a difference maker and Lloyd added three more points shortly after.

The scrum has been a strong point this season and Ebbw were well on their way to continuing their unbeaten season at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium when the referee decided to award a penalty try off the back of yet another destructive scrum.

A late change to Cardiff’s line-up saw Harrison James move to fly half and assume kicking duties. Despite missing with his first attempt, he was back on track and closed the gap to 10 points with half an hour gone.

The last score of the half belonged to the Steelmen, who combined some fine handling skills amongst the backs that saw Ethan Phillips dart around the defence to grab Ebbw’s second of the day.

HT: Ebbw Vale 20-3 Cardiff

The Blue and Blacks came out of the blocks quickest, with Jason Strange’s men struggling to keep up in the third quarter. Tries from Alun Rees and replacement prop Eddie Drake bringing them back within five points.

The tension was almost unbearable at this point, but the supporters in green, red and white got behind their team one more time to push them to a game winning drive. Jon Evans’ beautifully weighted kick was pounced upon by Amir Jiwa-Walji, who had already made one devastating break just minutes prior, who raced over to score for the Steelmen.

Evan Lloyd’s successful conversion was to be the final score of the game and the hosts marched on to their first semi-final since 2018. The opponents will be one of Llandovery, Swansea or Merthyr.

FT: Ebbw Vale 27-15 Cardiff

Scorers: Tries: Ethan Phillips, Amir Jiwa-Walji, Penalty Try

Cons: Evan Lloyd (2)  Pens: Evan Lloyd (2)

The Steelmen return to league action on Saturday 16th December with the visit of Carmarthen Quins to the Ciner Glass Community Stadium with a 2.30pm kick off.

Thanks to Rob Rees for writing the report for this match

Ebbw Vale entertain Cardiff RFC at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium in the Quarter-Final of the WRU Premiership Cup on Saturday with a 2.30pm kick off.

The Steelmen beat Cardiff in the Indigo Premiership earlier in the season with a 36-20 victory at the Arms Park in September with a dominant forward display which led to 4 tries being scored by half time. The Steelmen will look to repeat that form against Cardiff RFC in what will be a tough encounter in the Premiership Cup.

Jason Strange has picked a strong, experienced team for the game with the likes of Rhys Francis, Luke Garrett and Cameron Regan returning to the starting line-up.

The full Ebbw Vale squad for the match is:

15 Carrick McDonough 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Amir Jiwa-Walji 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans

1 Luke Garrett 2 Rhys Francis (CAPT) 3 Adam Court 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Cameron Regan 7 Lewis Young 8 Alex Howes

The bench will be finalised before kick-off on Saturday from the following players:

Ieuan Morris, Morgan Davies, Harry Drane, Jakub Malecki, Owen Conquer, Kobi Rees, Rory Harries, Kieran Meek and Morgan Richards

Reminder that this is an all pay game.

Come along and make some noise as the Steelmen attempt to reach the semi-finals of the Premiership Cup. The game kicks off at 2.30pm at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

We look forward to seeing you there.

#SupportTheSteelmen #FeelTheSteel

Ebbw Suffer Away Loss

The Steelmen travelled to Aberavon for a midweek game in freezing weather conditions but were unable to come away with any points.

The visitors started on the front foot, which saw them enter the hosts twenty-two on plenty of occasions. However, despite their best efforts,  handling errors led to the away side not being able to take advantage of their territorial supremacy.

On the twentieth minute, Ebbw made their territory count. With an Aberavon player not rolling away, the away side were awarded a penalty in front of the posts. Captain Joe Franchi opted for the scrum. From the base of the scrum, experienced number nine Jon Evans darted towards the try line. Not held, the scrum half got back up but was thwarted close to the try line. Young back rower Owen Conquer picked the ball up and dived over the line to score the games opening points. Fly half Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

With the forwards going through phase after phase, another snipping run by scrum half Jon Evans saw the experienced player offload to Dylan Bartlett. Brought down close to the line, the ball was spilled forward, and the Wizards were able to clear their lines.

From the resulting clearance, the Steelmen were again on the front foot. However, another error led to the hosts being given the opportunity to clear their lines.

After being awarded a penalty just inside the Ebbw Vale half, a fantastic kick by Aberavon outside half James Davies, saw the ball reach the Ebbw five metre line. From the lineout, hooker Cam Lewis come off the back of the maul and charged through a tackle to score the Wizards first points. Fly half Davies was unable to add the extras.

With the home side coming more into the game, some good attacking play by the Wizards, saw the hosts go close to adding to the score. However, good defence by the away side kept it to a two point game going into the interval.

Half Time:  Aberavon RFC 5 Ebbw Vale RFC 7

The away side came out for the second half having to make a change. Captain Joe Franchi was replaced by Ieuan Morris.

Within two minutes of the second half the Wizards took the lead. A clever chip over the Ebbw Vale defence by home replacement Scot Delnevo just inside his half, saw the ball caught on the bounce by winger Jay Baker. With plenty to do the winger stepped inside the covering defence and sprinted into the corner to score Aberavon’s second try of the game. Outside half Davies added the two points. An injury to Jordan Thomas saw Keiran Meek replace the winger.

From the restart, an infringement by a home side player gave the Steelmen a chance to reduce the deficit. From the tee, top points scorer Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the penalty to again make it a two-point game.

Ebbw were given another opportunity immediately, after second row Dylan Bartlett caught the ball from the kick off, ran deep into the home side half and fed speedster Carrick McDonough. With the covering defence in attendance, the speedster kicked the ball forward deep into the twenty-two.

The resulting play saw the home side have a lineout inside their twenty-two. The referee awarded a penalty to the visitors after an infringement in the lineout. However, on this occasion Evan Lloyd was unsuccessful with the kick.

Ebbw flyhalf Lloyd was able to make amends with his next penalty after a penalty from the scrum inside the Wizards twenty-two saw the flyhalf put his side one point ahead.

On the fifty fifth minute, the away side coach Jason Strange made changes. Adam Court replaced Harry Drane, Ewan McIntyre came on for Jacub Malecki and Cameron Regan replaced Owen Conquer.

With the hosts starting to steal more and more of the Steelmen’s lineout, a line out win by Aberavon, saw the forwards set up a maul that reach the visitors twenty-two. With the ball passed out to the backs, a kick through by centre Rodrick saw the centre collect his own kick and draw the defence. An impressive inside pass to replacement scrum half Aron Hemmings, saw the young number sprint over the line to score his sides third try of the game. Flyhalf Davies successfully kicked the conversion.

Further line out issues saw the Steelmen lose territory and after a break on the halfway line by the hosts, an offside decision resulted in the Wizards fly half Davies have an opportunity to stretch his team further ahead with fifteen minutes to go. However, on this occasion the outside half was unable to convert the penalty.

Further replacements by Ebbw Vale saw Rory Harries replace experienced scrum half Jon Evans, Luke Garrett come on for Morgan Davies and Chad Thomas comes on for terrific Alex Howes.

A further line out steal from Aberavon just outside the away side twenty-two saw the ball go through the home side backs hands. A well set up overlap saw flyhalf Davies draw the last defender and pass to centre Frankie Jones, who showed his speed to go over unopposed to score the home side’s bonus point try. Davies was unable to add the extras.

With the game going into the final moments, the Steelmen tried to bring the score back to within a score. However, despite going close, good defence by the Wizards, saw the home side hold out for a well-deserved bonus point win.

Full Time:  Aberavon RFC 24 Ebbw Vale RFC 13   

Tries: Owen Conquer (1)

Conversion: Evan Lloyd (1)

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)

Ebbw Vale’s next game is against Cardiff RFC at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium in the Cup on Saturday 9^th December, with kick off at 2:20pm.

Jason Strange has made a number of changes to the side to face Aberavon RFC as the Steelmen look to continue their winning run after recent victories over Newport and Swansea.

The Steelmen bring in Evan Lloyd and Jon Evans at half backs while Joe Franchi returns to the starting XV as captain.

It is new look back row, with exciting youngster Owen Conquer starting at 6 alongside Lewis Young and Alex Howes in the back row.

Replacements will be confirmed on Thursday.

Travel Information

The Addicts will be providing transport to the game leaving the Welfare at 5.45pm and returning straight after the match.

For those travelling to the Talbot Athletic Ground, the address is:  39 Manor St, Port Talbot SA13 1AB

Ebbw Vale Claim Another Win

The Steelmen came away with five points after the game was played in crisp weather conditions.

The game started with both sides making mistakes and releasing the pressure off each other, after making in-roads into each side’s twenty-two.

Following an infringement at the scrum by the visitor’s, a kick to the corner by Ebbw Vale outside half Keiran Meek saw the home side forwards apply the pressure. With co-captain Rhys Francis being stopped just short of the line, second row Curtis Gregory was alert and stretched over the try line, to score the first try of the game. Fly half Meek successfully added the two points.

The away side’s first chance of points came when the All Whites were awarded a penalty just inside the Ebbw half, after a forward strayed in front of the kicker. Ex Ebbw Vale number ten Rhys Jones was unlucky to see his kick fall just short of the posts.

With the visitors putting some nice moves together and keeping hold of the ball, flyhalf Jones was given another opportunity to put his team on the scoreboard after the hosts were caught offside. However, the experienced number ten was unable to take advantage.

With Swansea on the back foot and attempting to run from their own twenty-two, referee Simon Mills adjudged an away back to have held onto the ball at the ruck on the halfway line. Ebbw fly half Meek found touch. From the lineout outside the visitors twenty-two, the hosts forwards set up a rolling maul, which saw Ebbw go forward at a rate of knots. The end result saw co-captain Francis touch down to go joint top of the try scoring charts with his seventh try of the season. Meek was unable to add the extra’s.

The All Whites brought themselves back into the game, when from a lineout in the Steelmen twenty-two, they set up a maul. A break down the blind side saw the ball end up in the hands of Morgan Rees to score a well taken try. Outside half Jones added the two points.

Ebbw Vale extended their lead just before half time when a Swansea player was too quick out of the blocks and was adjudged to have been in front of the kicker. Fly half Meek sent the penalty between the sticks to put his side eight points ahead.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 15 Swansea RFC 7

The home side came out and went straight onto the front foot. A knock on by an away side player in the visitor’s twenty-two provided Ebbw with a scrum in an attacking position. An impressive push by the Steelmen forwards, saw referee Mills award the hosts a penalty. A chip to the corner by outside Meek saw the Ebbw forwards attempt to replicate their try from the first half from a maul. However, on this occasion, they were unable to take advantage.

With the All Whites unable to clear their line, the hosts were not to be denied, however. Centre Dom Franchi was stopped just shy of the try line. Prop Harry Drane was on hand to dive over and score the home side’s third try of the game.

Ebbw Vale Coach Jason Strange started to ring the changes. Hooker Ieuan Morris replaced co-captain Rhys Francis, Morgan Davies came on for Luke Garrett, Jon Evans replaced Rory Harries, Evan Lloyd replaced Keiran Meek, Ben Main came on for his debut after replacing Kobi Rees and Owen Hatherill replaced Harry Drane.

From a penalty inside the Swansea twenty-two, the Steelmen opted for a scrum. After winning the scrum, an unstoppable maul saw referee Mills have no alternative but to award a penalty try to the home side. To add to their misery, Swansea number seventeen Tom Slone was shown a yellow card and spent ten minutes in the sin bin.

The home side made another change, with young number eight Owen Conquer replacing Alex Howes.

A clever kick forward in space by the hosts full back Carrick McDonough, saw the speedster nearly add another try. However, the covering defence just got back to touch the ball down over the try line for a goal line drop out.

With the All Whites on the back foot, an up and under from their twenty-two landed in the arms of Ebbw replacement Lloyd, who passed straight to replacement number eight Conquer. Charging over the halfway line, the young number eight barged straight through four Swansea defenders and was able to offload in the tackle to supporting runner Jon Evans, who went over unopposed. Replacement fly half Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

Credit to the All Whites, who never gave up and nearly scored their second try of the game late on when centre Osian Knott passed out wide to winger Morgan Rees, who believed he was in to score. However, referee Mills pulled play back for a forward pass.

The home side finished the game with fourteen men, when in the last-minute replacement scrum half Jon Evans was shown the yellow card for ill-discipline. The away side were unable to take advantage and Ebbw cleared their lines to see out the game.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 36 Swansea RFC 7

SCORERS

Tries: Curtis Gregory (1), Rhys Francis (1), Harry Drane (1), Penalty Try (1), Jon Evans

Conversions: Keiran Meek (2), Evan Lloyd (1)

Penalty: Keiran Meek (1)

After the game we spoke with Ebbw Vale prop and try scorer Harry Drane. Harry was happy with not only the front five’s performance, but also the team performance. Harry said the team worked on what they practiced during training. He was pleased to get the bonus point win, especially with team’s close by dropping points.

We also spoke with Swansea and ex Ebbw Vale fly half Rhys Jones. Rhys acknowledged it was a tough game. He said the Swansea squad were expecting it to be a difficult game playing away to Ebbw Vale, especially playing in cold weather conditions. He informed Ebbw Vale are a well drilled team, who are going well in the league and cup. Rhys believed Swansea made to many mistakes, which gave Ebbw field position, and they took full advantage.

Ebbw Vale’s next game is away to Aberavon in front of the S4C Clic cameras on Thursday 30 November 2023, with kick off 7:30pm.

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

The Steelmen return to action today, looking to build on the victory against Newport RFC last weekend, when they entertain Swansea RFC at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium with a 2.30pm kick off.

The Steelmen have made several changes to the match day squad.

It is all change in the front row with Luke Garrett, Rhys Francis and Harry Drane returning to the starting 15, while at half back, Rory Harries and Kieran Meek replace Jon Evans and Evan Lloyd.

Ben Main, the summer signing from Abergavenny RFC, will be looking to make his debut for the Steelmen from the bench.

There will also be a return of a fan favourite to the club today with Toby Fricker being the guest speaker for the pre-game hospitality. Toby played for the Steelmen for 2 seasons before signing for the Bristol Bears. He is currently signed with the Ospreys.

Ebbw Vale Team

15 Carrick Mcdonough 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Jordan Thomas 10 Kieran Meek 9 Rory Harries

1 Luke Garrett 2 Rhys Francis (CAPT) 3 Harry Drane 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Cameron Regan 7 Kobi Rees 8 Alex Howes

16 Ieuan Morris 17 Morgan Davies 18 Owen Hatherill 19 Jakub Malecki 20 Owen Conquer 21 Jon Evans 22 Evan Lloyd 23 Ben Main

The 3rd North Gwent and Powys Coaches Forum was held this week at Ebbw Vale RFC where Jason Strange and Mostyn Richards were joined by guest speaker, former Ebbw Vale RFC Head Coach Leigh Jones.

Leigh was the head coach at Ebbw Vale RFC during one of the clubs most successful eras in the late 1990s. During this time, Leigh turned the Steelmen into one of the top professional teams in the UK, orchestrating memorable victories against Toulouse and Toulon in European Competition and leading the Steelmen to the SWALEC Cup Final for the first and only time in the club’s history. Leigh then went on to coach Newport Gwent Dragons before becoming head of rugby operations at Hong Kong . He was assistant coach to Eddie Jones with Japan at the 2015 Rugby World Cup and more recently was the general manager at Leicester Tigers working with Steve Borthwick winning the English Premiership in 2022.

During the session, Leigh covered many really important elements to coaching e.g. relationships, managing the younger generation in the current game, intensity blocks in today’s coaching sessions and the importance of how we feedback to all our charges. The audience of 22 coaches were actively engaged in the presentation for two hours !

The EVRFC Head Coach Jason Strange commented “This was a very professional presentation from Leigh. Basically, he brought to life the current trends in the world game for the coaches of North Gwent and Powys. Leigh’s attention to detail about the current trends in rugby will serve the 22 coaches for a long time and the responses received from the audience evidenced how they found the evening to be so enlightening and inspirational.”

The next session for these coaches will be held in January.

Ebbw take the spoils in another Gwent derby  

The Steelmen came away from Newport with a hard earned but well-deserved victory, in a game that was played in testing conditions.

Straight from the kick off, playing into the wind, the away side took the game to their opponents. After being awarded consecutive penalties in the home sides half, Ebbw Vale outside half Evan Lloyd successfully kicked a penalty to put the visitors three points ahead.

Three early substitutions for Newport disrupted the home sides rhythm. However, they were soon ahead when from a lineout inside the Steelmen’s twenty-two, the home side forwards set up a rolling maul, which ended with hooker Henry Palmer diving over the line to score the first try of the game. Fullback Carwyn Penny was unlucky not to add the two points when his conversion came back off the posts.

With the away side forwards taking the game to the Black and Ambers, a superb chip inside the home side’s twenty-two by Evan Lloyd out to the wing, saw Ebbw Vale young winger Harry Rees-Weldon catch the ball and cross the line to score in the corner. A terrific conversion by Lloyd from the touch line went over after hitting the inside of the post, to extend Ebbw’s lead further ahead.

Newport soon hit back and retook the lead, when from a lineout inside the Steelmen’s half, the ball found its way out to full back Penny, who saw a gap in the defence outside the away side’s twenty-two. With the defence scrambling back, the full back showed his pace and went under the posts unopposed. Penny successfully converted his own try.

Ebbw Vale marksman Lloyd put the visitors back ahead from a penalty after the referee penalised Newport for ill-discipline.

With the game going into first half injury time, Lloyd further extended the away side’s lead to make it a four-point game going into the interval.

Half Time: Newport RFC 12 Ebbw Vale RFC 16

The Steelmen came out for the second half, like they finished the first half and went straight onto the front foot. With the wind and momentum behind them, Ebbw further extended their lead to seven points within five minutes of the restart, when the visitor’s top points scorer Lloyd kicked an excellent fifty metre penalty.

The Black and Ambers responded immediately with full back Penny successfully reducing the deficit with an excellent penalty into the wind.

Another penalty by the visitor’s marksman Lloyd, saw the lead again extend to seven points for the Steelmen.

The away side were given another opportunity to extend their lead to ten points after ill discipline by Newport gave Lloyd an opportunity from the tee. With the wind behind him, the marksmen successfully kicked the penalty to put Ebbw Vale more than one score ahead.

With the weather continuing to play a part in the game, Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange started to ring the changes. Lewis Young replaced the impressive Kobi Rees, inspiring props Adam Court and Morgan Davies were replaced by Harry Drane and Luke Garrett.

Further ill-discipline by the home side gave the visitors an opportunity to stretch their lead to thirteen points on the seventieth minute. Prolific points scorer Lloyd duly obliged.

The Steelmen’s coach Strange, made further changes with co-captain Rhys Francis replacing the ever-dependable Joe Franchi and Owen Conquer coming on for the excellent Alex Howes.

With just over five minutes left of the game, the away side were reduced to fourteen men when fly half Lloyd was penalised in the Ebbw twenty-two. Running out of patience the referee showed the yellow card, to leave the Steelmen seeing out the remainder of the game one man down.

The hosts with a numerical gain, took advantage when the forwards took the penalty quickly and number eight Ben Roach powered over the try line to score his sides third try of the game. Full back Penny was again unsuccessful with the conversion.

With only minutes remaining, Ebbw Vale coach Strange replaced the reliable Harry Rees-Weldon with Kieran Meek and Rory Harries came on for the industrious Jordan Thomas.

Despite the best efforts of both teams, no further points were added to the scoreboard, leaving the Steelmen victorious after a hard battle in tricky weather conditions.

Full Time: Newport RFC 20 Ebbw Vale RFC 28

Scorers

Tries: Harry Rees-Weldon (1)

Conversion: Evan Lloyd (1)

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (7)

After the game we spoke to Ebbw Vale winger Jordan Thomas. Jordan acknowledged it was always going to be a tough game away to Newport, especially considering the weather was not the best, with the wind and the rain swirling around at the start of the game. Jordan finished by stating the squad were happy to come away with an important victory, after a hard loss to take last time out against Pontypool.

Ebbw`s next game is at home at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Saturday 25^th of November 2023 against Swansea, with the kick-off at 2:30pm.

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

Ebbw Vale RFC return to action tomorrow against Newport RFC at Newport Stadium with a 2.30pm kick off.

The Steelmen will be looking to return to winning ways in the Gwent Derby  against Newport RFC following their defeat in their last outing to Pontypool RFC.

Jason Strange has made several changes to the team that faced Pontypool and will be delighted with the return of both Joe Franchi and Harry Rees-Weldon to the starting lineup after injury. In the backs, the only change sees Carrick Mcdonough move to full back with the return of Harry Rees-Weldon on the wing. While upfront, it a new look back row with Kobi Rees and Alex Howes making their first starts of the season alongside Cameron Regan.

The full Ebbw Vale squad is as follows:

15 Carrick Mcdonough 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Jordan Thomas 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans

1 Morgan Davies 2 Joe Franchi (CAPT) 3 Adam Court 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Cameron Regan 7 Kobi Rees 8 Alex Howes

Replacements

16 Rhys Francis 17 Luke Garrett 18 Harry Drane 19 Jakub Malecki 20 Owen Conquer 21 Rory Harries 22 Kieran Meek 23 Lewis Young

Addicts Information

The Addicts will be providing transport to the match tomorrow. They will be leaving The Welfare at 12.30pm and will be returning from the Newport Stadium at 4.30pm.

The clubhouse at Newport Cricket Club which is adjacent to Newport Stadium will be open from 12 noon on match day for food and drink. Everyone welcome.

For those travelling by car the address for Newport stadium is:  Newport International Sports Village, Stadium Way, Newport NP19 4PT

Postcode for Satnavs NP19 4PT

Pontypool win the Gwent derby

The Steelmen left Pontypool Park with a losing bonus point, after playing in front of the S4C Clic cameras.

The away side took the game straight to Pontypool. After winning the scrum inside the home side twenty-two, the Ebbw forwards went through phase after phase, before number eight Ryan Jenkins powered his way over the try line. Outside half Evan Lloyd successfully added the two points.

Flyhalf Lloyd was unable to add a further three points from a penalty, after a shot at goal from near the halfway line went wide of the posts.

With the game being played from one end to the other, Pooler soon scored their first points of the night, after number ten Matthew Jarvis successfully kicked a penalty.

The home side scored their first try of the game, when the ball reached Pooler centre Joel Mahoney out wide from a maul. With a lot to do and two men outside him, Mahoney showed his speed and went around the covering defender to touch down. Jarvis duly added the two points. In trying to stop the try, Ebbw Vale number eight Ryan Jenkins pulled up with an injury and as a result was replaced by Chad Thomas.

After winning a rare lineout inside their own half, the Steelmen’s fly half Evan Lloyd put in a superb 50:22 to put his side on the front foot. However, the away side were unable to take advantage, with Pooler winning the lineout and clearing their lines.

With Ebbw Vale having the better of the scrum, referee Craig Evans awarded a penalty to give the away side a chance to level the score. Last year’s club top point scorer Evan Lloyd duly obliged to bring the scores level.

Ebbw scored their second try of the game and the last points of the first half when scrum half Jon Evans collected a high ball on the halfway line. With a lot to do, the scrum half burst through tackles before offloading the ball to the supporting forwards in the Pontypool twenty-two. With the home side defence being stretched, a long back of the hand pass by Ebbw Vale number ten Evan Lloyd out to the wing, saw the home side winger Walker Price knock the ball on. Taking his time to decide, referee Craig Evans adjudged the winger to have deliberately knocked the ball on and showed the player a yellow card. To compound the woes, referee Evans also awarded the Steelmen a penalty try.

Half Time: Pontypool RFC 10 Ebbw Vale RFC 17

The second half started off in the same fashion as the first with the away side dominating the scrum but losing the line out.

Whilst still down to fourteen men, Pontypool hit back. From a line out in the Ebbw Vale twenty-two, the home side forwards played through phase after phase with the Steelmen defence holding firm. However, replacement Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths was strong enough to dive over the line. Outside half Jarvis hit the post after slipping.

The away side quickly added a further three points from the boot of Lloyd, after referee Evans awarded a penalty due to scrum half Jon Evans being upended illegally.

With the Pontypool forwards in the ascendancy, Referee Evans produced a yellow card to Ebbw prop Morgan Davies for not rolling away.

Looking to freshen things up, Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange replaced co-captain Rhys Francis with Ieuan Morris, prop Adam Court came on for Harry Drane and second row Jakub Maleki was replaced by Curtis Gregory.

A rolling maul by the Steelmen forwards was stopped on the halfway line when referee Evans penalised a home side forward for illegally changing their bind. A superb kick into the Pooler twenty-two, saw Ebbw Vale make an unforced error when the ball was not thrown into the lineout straight.

However, from the scrum, referee Evans penalised Pontypool and award a penalty. On this occasion, however, Ebbw outside half Lloyd was unable to add the three points.

Further Steelmen changes saw Kieran Meek replace flyhalf Evan Lloyd, Gethin Williams came on for Lewis Young and Luke Garrett replaced Morgan Davies after the conclusion of his yellow card.

The home side went back in front with ten minutes left to play. After a knock on from the restart on the Ebbw try line, Pooler replacement Ben Moa ran at the away side defence. The forwards again going through the phases, with Alex Grey driving the ball over the line to score. Number ten Jarvis kicked the conversion successfully.

A big push in the scrum from the Pontypool forwards with five minutes to go, saw Craig Evans penalise the Ebbw scrum. Pooler number ten Jarvis was successful with the penalty to put his team five points ahead.

No further points were scored in the final five minutes, in front of a crowd that was estimated to be between two to three thousand.

Full Time: Pontypool RFC 25 Ebbw Vale RFC 20    

Tries: Ryan Jenkins, penalty try

Conversion: Evan Lloyd

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)

The Steelmen next play away to Newport on Saturday the 18^th of November 2023 with kick-off at 2:30pm.

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

Pontypool vs Ebbw Vale Preview

Second placed Ebbw Vale travel to Pontypool Park on the 2^nd of November 2023 to play in front of the cameras against third placed Pontypool, with a kick-off at 7:30pm.

With both teams having won six games on the bounce, Jason Strange’s side will be aiming to keep their good run going but will know that an improved performance from the match against Bridgend Ravens will be required if they are to take anything from the game.

As the two teams have not played each other for some time in the league, the game will no doubt be a fiercely contested derby, with neither side looking to give an inch.

Jason Strange makes several changes to the squad from the game against the Ravens for the Steelmen’s visit to Pontypool.

The Full Squad is:

15.Morgan Richards 14. Carrick Mcdonough 13. Ethan Phillips 12. Dom Franchi 11. Jordan Thomas 10. Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans

1.Morgan Davies 2. Rhys Francis (CAPT) 3. Harry Drane 4. Dylan Bartlett 5. Jakub Malecki 6. Cameron Regan 7. Lewis Young 8. Ryan Jenkins

Replacements from…

Ieuan Morris, Luke Garrett, Adam Court, Curtis Gregory, Chad Thomas, Gethin Williams, Rory Harries, Kieran Meek and Ryan Davies

Ebbw Addicts Travel

For those travelling with the Addicts, the bus will be leaving the Welfare at 6.30pm.

The Welfare will be open from 5.00pm for drinks and snacks before travelling to Pontypool.

For those supporters making their own way to Pontypool the address is: Pontypool RFC, Pontypool Park, Pontypool, NP4 8AT

Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to confirm that they have submitted the required expression of interest for membership of the new Elite League.

The club will hold a meeting for members on Tuesday 7th November at the Welfare starting at 7pm  to explain next steps and the clubs intentions. There will also be the opportunity for the audience to ask and have answered any questions they may have.

The meeting will be led by Club Chairman, Jon Jones and Head Coach, Jason Strange.

The Steelmen Dig Deep to Win

A last-minute long-distance penalty miss by Bridgend, saw Ebbw win a close fought game by two points on a wet Gwent day.

The home side came out of the blocks quickly. After being awarded consecutive penalties, outside half Evan Lloyd put Ebbw Vale inside Bridgend’s twenty-two. From the lineout, the forwards set up a maul, with co-captain Rhys Francis on hand to touch down within the first ten minutes. Fly half Lloyd was unable to add the extra’s.

However, the away side soon put their first points of the afternoon on the scoreboard, when number ten Luke Price sent the ball through the middle of the uprights after the Steelmen were penalised by referee Jason Bessant.

The Ravens had another opportunity to go in front, when the referee adjudged an Ebbw Vale player had pulled back a Bridgend player off the ball. From by the five-metre line, outside half Price put the kick wide.

Moments later the Steelmen extended their lead. After the away side were penalised for being offside, Ebbw points machine Lloyd successfully slotted the penalty to put his side five points ahead.

With the away side starting to see more of the ball, fly half Price was again on target with his second penalty of the afternoon, after referee Bessant penalised Ebbw Vale for ill-discipline.

On the stroke of half time, the home side were again penalised. From out by the touchline ten metres inside the Ebbw half, outside half Price sent the ball through the posts to give his side a one-point lead going into the interval.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale 8 Bridgend Ravens 9

The Ravens came out for the second half with a point to prove. A clean break through the home side defence in the centre of the pitch saw two players in support. With a draw of full back McDonough and a quick pass to Jordan Collier, resulted in the Bridgend player sliding over the line for the away sides first try of the afternoon. Fly half Price slotted the conversion to put his side eight points ahead.

With both teams conceding possession, Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange made his sides first changes of the afternoon. Forwards Morgan Davies and Harry Drane replaced fellow props Luke Garrett and Adam Court on the fifty first minute.

On the hour mark the Steelmen were given another opportunity to reduce the deficit. Marksman Lloyd duly obliged from the tee and added three points to the Ebbw Vale scoreline.

With the game entering the final twenty-minutes, Ebbw coach Strange made further changes when Rory Harries replaced Jon Evans and Amir Jiwa-Walji came on for Ryan Davies.

However, the momentum swung on the sixty-eighth minute when Bridgend were reduced to fourteen men. Young Ebbw Vale number eight Owen Conquer ran at the Bridgend defence and was tackled high. Credit to all the medical staff, who were on the scene immediately to see to the youngster. Before play resumed, referee Bessant produced a red card to the Ravens replacement Gareth Harvey for the high tackle. Ebbw replacement Alex Howes, returning to the club from Abergavenny, came on to replace the young number eight.

Ebbw coach Strange continued to make the changes with Kieran Meek replacing Evan Lloyd. With the Steelmen in the ascendancy and the referee awarding penalty after penalty, the away side were reduced to thirteen men on the seventy fourth minute. Replacement prop Alex George receiving the yellow card.

The Steelmen emptied their bench with Curtis Gregory replacing second row Jacub Malecki and hooker Ieuan Morris came on for co-captain Rhys Francis.

The home side continued to show their power up front with referee Bessant awarding penalty after penalty at the scrum on the away sides five metre line. In the closing minutes, a huge effort by the pack at scrum time, saw referee Bessant award a penalty try to Ebbw and produce a further yellow card to Bridgend’s number one Harry Olding, to leave the away side play the final moments with twelve men.

A valiant effort by the Ravens just inside the Ebbw Vale half, saw the forwards go through the phases. Referee Bessant awarded the away side a penalty just inside the Steelmen half. With the last play of the game, replacement fly half Paul Short eyed up the posts. With a huge swing of the boot the ball fell short of the posts to enable the home side to kick the ball into touch and claim a hard fought win.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale 18 Bridgend Ravens 16

After the game we spoke with Ebbw Vale forward Adam Court. Adam acknowledged the performance was not the prettiest and believed it was an ugly win. However, he was pleased the team found a way to win the game. Adam finished by informing the squad know they have to improve if they are to come away from the big game on Thursday against Pontypool with a victory.

Man Of The Match: Owen Conquer

Scorers

Tries: Rhys Francis, Penalty try

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)

The Steelmen’s next game is away to Pontypool RFC at Pontypool Park on Thursday 2^nd November 2023 in front of the S4C Clic camera’s, with kick off at 7:30pm.  

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

Ebbw Vale vs Bridgend Preview

Ebbw Vale RFC return to league action against Bridgend Ravens on Saturday 28^th October at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium with a 2.30pm kick off.

The Steelmen will be looking to extend their recent unbeaten run against the Ravens in what should be a tough encounter at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

The Steelmen welcome back Jordan Thomas to the starting XV after a long-term injury layoff and Alex Howes will be looking to make an impact from the bench on his return to the Steelmen.

Before training this week, we spoke with influential scrum-half Jon Evans.

Looking back at the Neath game, Jon said you can never take a five-point victory for granted. The performance was far from perfect but there were a lot of positives to take from it, especially considering there were ten changes made to the team from the starting line-up against Llandovery. He thought the team dominated the majority of the first half, however, he acknowledged the team need to be more clinical in the opposition twenty-two going forward as the missed opportunities may come back to haunt them against other opposition. This is the same for the Bridgend game, the team just need to be more ruthless.

Thinking back to last season, Jon said the team travelled to Bridgend at a time when they were searching for their first win. He believed the team underestimated Bridgend and did not give them the respect they deserved. Jon is confident that will not happen again this year considering Bridgend are a good team with a good coaching set up and recruited well during the summer but the strength in-depth of the Ebbw squad will hopefully see the team push on in the later stages and make it an eighty-minute game.

Jon expects Bridgend to bring a good kicking game as well as set piece, which was something they used to their advantage last season. This year however, the Ebbw pack has improved significantly under forwards coach Aaron Coundley and he imagines the front five will be looking to make amends.

Finally, Jon thinks the team set piece will be a very important part of the game and they also need to manage the first fifteen minutes of it. There have been several games this year where errors in the first quarter have resulted in the team finding themselves behind early on. As a result, the team need to manage this period and limit the number of errors against Bridgend.

Ebbw Vale Team:

15. Carrick Mcdonough 14. Ryan Davies 13. Ethan Phillips 12. Dom Franchi 11. Jordan Thomas 10. Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans

1.Luke Garrett 2. Rhys Francis (CAPT) 3. Adam Court 4. Dylan Bartlett 5. Jakub Malecki 6. Cameron Regan 7. Lewis Young 8. Owen Conquer

Replacements from…

Ieuan Morris, Morgan Davies, Harry Drane, Curtis Gregory, Alex Howes, Gethin Williams, Rory Harries, Kieran Meek and Amir Jiwa-Walji

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

TEAM NEWS v Bridgend RAVENS

Jason Strange has made a number of changes to the team for the game against Bridgend Ravens at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium on Saturday.

Rhys Francis returns to the team as captain and there is a welcome return to the starting XV for Jordan Thomas after long term injury. Dom Franchi returns at centre with Evan Lloyd back into the team at 10

Up front, only Cameron Regan and Dylan Bartlett retain their starting positions in the pack from the victory over Neath with exciting, young prospect Owen Conquer returning at Number 8.

Ebbw Vale Team:

15. Carrick Mcdonough 14. Ryan Davies 13. Ethan Phillips 12. Dom Franchi 11. Jordan Thomas 10. Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans

1.Luke Garrett  2. Rhys Francis (CAPT) 3. Adam Court 4. Dylan Bartlett 5. Jakub Malecki 6. Cameron Regan 7. Lewis Young 8. Owen Conquer

Replacements from…

Ieuan Morris, Morgan Davies, Harry Drane, Curtis Gregory, Alex Howes, Gethin Williams, Rory Harries, Kieran Meek and Amir Jiwa-Walji

Ebbw Vale RFC are pleased to announce the signing of Alex Howes from Abergavenny RFC, where he has been captain for the last two seasons.

Alex, a powerful, ball carrying back row, returns to the Ebbw Vale squad having previously played for the team during the second half of the 21/22 season.

On returning to the Steelmen, Alex said, “I am really excited to be back at Ebbw Vale. I have unfinished business here and I can’t wait to get started.”

Ebbw Continue Their Good Run

Neath RFC 17 Ebbw Vale RFC 35

The Steelmen came away from the Lexton Gnoll with five points, after a scrappy performance saw them score five tries.

The away side came out of the blocks quickly and put Neath under a sustained amount of pressure.  With the referee awarding the Steelmen numerous penalties inside the Welsh All Blacks half, a quick bit of thinking by Ebbw Vale scrum half Jon Evans, saw the captain for the day take a quick tap from a penalty in the home side twenty-two and dive over the line to score the games first try of the game. Fly half Kieran Meek added the extras.

The away side kept up the pressure and soon scored their second try of the game. From a penalty in the Neath half, a kick by Ebbw outside half Meek gave the away side a lineout in Neath’s twenty-two. From the lineout, the forwards went through the phases and hooker Ieuan Morris grounded the ball. Number ten Meek was successful with the conversion to put his side fourteen points ahead.

Despite being awarded numerous penalties, Ebbw Vale were unable to take advantage and add to the score.

A lovely 50:22 kick by the Steelmen fullback for the day Carrick McDonough, saw Ebbw Vale apply more pressure to the Neath try line. However, on this occasion the Welsh All Blacks defence held firm.

On their first visit to the away side twenty-two, Neath struck back. A scrum to the home side to the left of the posts saw number six Gethin Tremblett pick up the ball from the scrum and run over unopposed. Flyhalf Steff Williams added the extras.

With the hosts gaining in confidence, further good play saw the referee award the Welsh All Blacks a penalty just inside the Ebbw Vale twenty-two for offside. Outside half Williams was unlucky not to add three points as he hit the post. However, Williams was soon to make amends, when after being awarded another penalty, the number ten successfully added three points to reduce the deficit to four.

No further points were added to the scoreline before half time.

Half Time: Neath 10 Ebbw Vale 14

The home side came out for the second half, looking to continue where they left the first half. A lineout in the Ebbw Vale twenty-two saw the hosts awarded a further penalty. However, after going to the line out, the Steelmen were able to turn the ball over and clear their lines.

After forty-five minutes, Ebbw coach Jason Strange started to ring the changes. Co-Captain Rhys Francis replaced Ieuan Morris and props Luke Garrett and Adam Court came on for Charley Kearns and Owen Hatherill.

Within two minutes off coming on, captain Francis made an instant impact. After kicking to the corner from a penalty in the Neath twenty-two, the Ebbw Vale forwards won the line out and set up a maul for Francis to dive over the line to score his side’s third try of the afternoon. Kieran Meek was again successful with the conversion.

After a further penalty had been awarded to the away side, the referee reduced the Welsh All Blacks to fourteen men, when number eight David Griggs was shown the yellow card.

With the Steelmen forwards having the grit between their teeth, they decided to take a scrum right in front of the posts. A big push by the pack was only stopped by an infringement by the hosts forwards and the referee awarded a penalty try and showed a further yellow card to the home side’s prop Elis Hopkins.

Against the run of play and down to thirteen men, Neath soon struck back. From a scrum just outside the away side’s twenty-two, fly half Steff Williams found a gap in the Ebbw Vale defence and burst through to touch down unopposed. Williams also added the two points.

Further changes were made to the away side line up when Jakub Malecki came on for Curtis Gregory and half backs Roy Harris and Evan Lloyd replaced Jon Evans and Kieran Meek.

The final two changes by Ebbw coach Strange, saw Kobi Rees come on for his debut by replacing Chad Thomas and shortly after Ewan Bowden replaced winger Amir Jiwa Walji.

However, the Steelmen were soon reduced to fourteen men, when after some good play by the Neath backs saw the ball passed to the winger, who was unable to collect the ball. The referee adjudged winger Bowden had pushed the player off the ball and showed the replacement the yellow card.

After a lull in play, the away side stepped it up in the final stages of the match. After winning more penalties in the hosts half, from a line out the ball made its way out to the wing, and hooker Francis was on hand to barge over the line to score his team’s fifth try of the game. Replacement outside half Evan Lloyd sent a superb conversion through the middle of the uprights from the touchline.

Despite the best efforts of both sides, no further points were added to the scoreline.

Full Time: Neath 17 Ebbw Vale 35

Scorers

Tries: Jon Evans, Ieuan Morris, Rhys Francis (2), Penalty try

Conv: Kieran Meek (3), Evan Lloyd (1)

After the game, we caught up with flyhalf Kieran Meek. Kieran acknowledged the game was scrappy at times and the squad wanted a better performance. However, he was happy the team were able to come away from the Gnoll with the bonus point victory. Kieran finished by saying the squad will reassess during training next week and then look forward to the Bridgend game next Saturday.

Ebbw Vale’s next game is home against Bridgend RFC  at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Saturday 28 October 2023 with a 2:30pm kick off. 

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans

Neath vs Ebbw Vale Match Preview

The Steelmen make the journey down the A465 to play Neath at the Lextan Gnoll on Saturday 21^st October 2023 at 2:30pm.

During the week, we spoke with forwards coach Aaron Coundley.

Aaron stated the management and squad are excited for the challenge of Neath. They are aware of how tough a visit to the Gnoll will be, but the group are relishing the opportunity to build on last weeks performance.

Aaron acknowledged Neath are a tough team to play, and play hard for the full eighty minutes. The squad know that they will not be able to be complacent otherwise they will be punished. The team require a performance of high standards if they are to come away with the victory.

The mood in camp is good. The squad have worked hard to get Ebbw Vale to the top of the league, however, they remain grounded and determined to keep focused on the task at hand every week. They are not looking too far ahead and are fully focused going into this weekend’s game.

Aaron finished by saying they were really pleased with the performance and win against Llandovery and will look to continue to build on that. The conditions were challenging last week and the pack lead from the front with the scrum and maul continuing to be a good weapon for the team.

Ebbw Vale Team is as follows:

15. Carrick Mcdonough 14. Ryan Davies 13. Ethan Phillips 12. Cameron Davies 11. Amir Jiwa-Walji 10. Kieran Meek 9 Jon Evans (Capt)

1.Charley Kearns  2. Ieuan Morris 3. Owen Hatherill 4. Dylan Bartlett 5. Curtis Gregory 6. Cameron Regan 7. Gethin Williams 8. Chad Thomas

Replacements

16. Rhys Francis. 17. Luke Garrett. 18. Adam Court 19. Jakub Malecki 20. Kobi Rees 21. Rory Harries 22. Evan Lloyd 23. Ewan Bowden

Travel information

The Addicts bus will be leaving the Welfare at 12.00pm. Return from the Gnoll at 5.30pm.

Address for Neath RFC is: Neath RFC, The Lextan Gnoll, Gnoll Park Road, NEATH, SA11 3BU. 

Please note the following road closure for this weekend:

A465 Weekend Closure Cefn Coed to Dowlais, and Pant Road, Dowlais.

A closure of the A465 between Cefn Coed (A470 junction) and Dowlais will take place from 20:00hrs on Friday 20 until 06:00hrs on Monday 23 October 2023.

For the A465 closure the following diversion route will be in place:

Team News v Neath RFC 

Jason Strange has made a number of changes to the team for the game against Neath RFC at the Lextan Gnoll on Saturday.

Jon Evans will captain the side with Kieran Meek coming back into the team at number 10. Cameron Davies returns to the side at centre with another academy player, back rower Kobi Rees, coming onto the bench for the first time. Ryan Davies returns on the wing.

Up front there is a complete change in the front row with Charley Kearns, Ieuan Morris and Owen Hatherill coming into the first XV.  While Curtis Gregory, Gethin Williams and Chad Thomas also return to the starting lineup. The bench has a 5/3 split with Ewan Bowden also returning to the match day squad

Ebbw Vale RFC:

15. Carrick Mcdonough 14. Ryan Davies 13. Ethan Phillips 12. Cameron Davies 11. Amir Jiwa-Walji 10. Kieran Meek 9 Jon Evans (Capt)

1.Charley Kearns  2. Ieuan Morris 3. Owen Hatherill 4. Dylan Bartlett 5. Curtis Gregory 6. Cameron Regan 7. Gethin Williams 8. Chad Thomas

Replacements

16. Rhys Francis. 17. Luke Garrett. 18. Adam Court 19. Jakub Malecki 20. Kobi Rees 21. Rory Harries 22. Evan Lloyd 23. Ewan Bowden

Neath RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC

On Saturday 21st October, the Steelmen return to Neath RFC in the Indigo Premiership at the Lextan Gnoll with a 2.30pm kick off. The Steelmen, who moved to the top of the league table following their victory over Llandovery last week, will be looking to make it a 6th win in a row against a tough Neath team, who were highly competitive in the recent Premiership Cup match.

Ebbw Addicts Information

The Addicts will be providing transport to the match against Neath RFC on Saturday and will be leaving the Welfare at 12.00pm. Contact Tracy to book your seats on the bus. (See Addicts page for contact details)

After the match, the Addicts will stay at Neath Rugby Club to enjoy a few drinks before returning to the Welfare at 5.30pm

You can book a breakfast with the Welfare before travelling to the game. Book with the Welfare before the end of Thursday 19^th October.

For Ebbw supporters making their own way to the match, the address for Neath RFC is: Neath RFC, The Lextan Gnoll, Gnoll Park Road, NEATH, SA11 3BU.

Ebbw Go Top of the League

The Steelmen forwards laid the foundations for the home side to win 25 – 17 and replace Llandovery at the top of the table in a game that was played in miserable weather conditions.

The start of the game saw both sides try to adapt to the wet weather conditions.

Within ten minutes, Ebbw were awarded a penalty when the referee penalised the away side. The home side outside half Evan Lloyd duly kicked the penalty for the first points of the game.

The Drovers immediately hit back when, from the restart a knock on was collected by one of the home side players in an offside position. Last years league top points scorer Jack Maynard brought the scores level.

From the scrum on the halfway line, the referee awarded the away side with a penalty after an infringement from Ebbw Vale in the scrum. With Llandovery kicking into the home side twenty-two, from the resulting line out, a breakthrough the Steelmen’s defence saw the ball make its way out to Aaron Warren, who crossed for the first try of the game. Maynard was unable to add the two points.

Ebbw’s coach Jason Strange was forced to make an early substitution when young number eight Ryan Jenkins was forced off the pitch due to an injury and replaced by Owen Conquer.

With the home side starting to win the forward battle, the Steelmen were offered an opportunity to reduce the deficit when the Drovers were adjudged to be offside inside their own half. Marksman Lloyd duly kicked the penalty to bring the game to within two points.

A clever high kick by outside half Lloyd led to Llandovery knocking on inside their own half. Ebbw centre Dom Franchi was on hand to take the ball forward and set the forwards up to go through the phases. Quick ball by Jon Evans to Lloyd, saw the outside half take the ball on, draw the defence, feint to pass inside and instead pass the ball out to winger Amir Jiwa-Walji. With a lot to do, the winger showed his pace and strength by bursting through the midfield at an angle, handing of a defender and beating two covering defenders to the line to score a very well taken try. Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.

With the referee penalising the Drovers again, marksman Lloyd superbly kicked the penalty to put the home side three points ahead. The away side were quickly given another opportunity to draw level through a penalty. However, Maynard was uncharacteristically off target with his attempt.

Llandovery were soon level, when from a penalty at a scrum, Maynard was successful with his kick.

Going into the final few minutes of the first half, both sides exchanged penalties, with Ebbw Vale’s Lloyd sending a wonderful kick from the halfway line straight through the posts. The away sides Maynard brought the scores level at half time with a penalty from inside the home side’s twenty-two.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale 14 Llandovery 14

The second half started off in the same fashion as the first half ended. With the Steelmen’s outside half Lloyd kicking through and chasing, the covering defender pulled the number ten back to stop him collecting the ball. From which, the referee awarded Ebbw a penalty. The club’s top scorer Lloyd successfully added the three points to put the home side back in front.

Ebbw Vale were soon reduced to fourteen men, when from a grubber kick in the Llandovery half, the ball bobbled inside the home side’s twenty-two. Full back Morgan Richards collected the ball and threw it back. Attempting to recover the ball on their own try line, the referee adjudged the full back went off his feet to stop Llandovery from obtaining the ball and sent Richards to the sin bin for ten minutes.

With the weather conditions deteriorating, Ebbw coach Strange replaced prop Harry Drane with Adam Court.

Llandovery were once again level when they were awarded a penalty from the lineout. Full back Maynard successfully added the three points.

With the home side forwards starting to go through the gears, the referee showed the Drovers prop Jamie Hughes a yellow card for being offside. Fly half Lloyd uncharacteristically hit the post.

From the rebound, the ball landed in the arms of a Steelmen forward’s arms inside the Drovers twenty-two. However, the ball was knocked on. Prop Morgan Davies was replaced by Luke Garrett and from the resulting scrum, an offence by the away side provided fly half Lloyd with an opportunity to put Ebbw back in front. The number ten duly obliged to make the score 20-17.

The home side were starting to apply the pressure. With the ball at the hands of fly half Lloyd in the centre of the pitch, a well-judged kick, saw the ball bounce into the hands of speedster Carrick McDonough in the Llandovery twenty-two.

As the covering defender approached, the home side winger cleverly put in a soft grubber kick, which the away side covering defence took over the line. A good chase by the home side saw the Drovers dot the ball down, resulting in a scrum to Ebbw Vale.

From the scrum five metres out, a huge push by the Steelmen eight, saw replacement Conquer touch the ball down at the base of the scrum to score his first try for the club. Fly half Lloyd was unable to add the two points.

The home sides final changes saw Kieran Meek replace Evan Lloyd, Ieaun Morris come on for captain Rhys Francis and Gethin Williams replace Cameron Regan.

Despite the best efforts of the away side, the Steelmen’s defence held firm, with no further points being added to the game.

With the away side throwing caution to the wind, a break by the backs from their own twenty-two saw Ebbw scrum half Jon Evans put in a superb cover tackle just inside the Ebbw Vale half. The referee then blew his whistle for full time.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale 25 Llandovery 17

Scorers:

Tries: Amir Jiwa-Walji, Owen Conquer

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (5)

Man Of The Match: Morgan Davies

Seren yr Gem (S4C): Rhys Francis

After the game we spoke with Ebbw Vale prop Luke Garrett. Luke believed it was a good battle between the two sides. He thought Ebbw dug in deep and the side showed their fitness and what they had been working on for the last five months. Luke ended by stating he was happy the team got the win.

The Steelmen are next in action on Saturday 21^st October against Neath at the Gnoll

Ebbw Vale vs Llandovery Match Preview

The Steelmen welcome the Drovers to the Ciner Glass Community Stadium in the Indigo Premiership, on Thursday 12th of October at 7:30pm in front of the S4C Clic cameras.

Both of last season’s games were fiercely contested with Llandovery winning them both narrowly.

Ebbw coach Jason Strange will be hoping his team can keep up their recent, good form with a win under the lights.

With it being second verses first in the league, the home side will be looking to put down a marker by beating last year’s champions.

The Steelmen make a few changes to the team that RGC in their last match with Carrick Mcdonough moving onto the wing and Morgan Richards coming back into the team at full back. Dom Franchi returns to the starting lineup at centre.

Up front, the Steelmen name the same eight that started the game against RGC with Jakub Malecki and Dylan Bartlett continuing their partnership in the 2nd row.

Ebbw Vale Team

Backs

15. Morgan Richards 14. Carrick Mcdonough 13. Ethan Phillips 12. Dom Franchi 11. Amir Jiwa-Walji 10. Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans

Forwards

1. Morgan Davies 2. Rhys Francis 3. Harry Drane 4. Dylan Bartlett 5. Jakub Malecki 6. Cameron Regan 7. Lewis Young 8. Ryan Jenkins

Replacements from…

Ieuan Morris, Luke Garrett, Adam Court, Curtis Gregory, Owen Conquer, Rory Harries, Kieran Meek, Gethin Williams, Cameron Davies

Kick off for tomorrow’s match is 7.30pm