Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce their preseason games for the 2024/25 season.
First up is a home fixture at EXP against friends and Gwent neighbours Newbridge RFC. For the first time in a number of seasons, the Steelmen will play a preseason fixture at EXP and look forward to playing Premiership newcomers Newbridge RFC.
Following that, the Steelmen will travel across the bridge to face Clifton RFC for the 3rd consecutive season which should be another highly competitive game.
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RETAINED!
Our second announcement of the evening is the retention of outside half, Evan Lloyd.
The Steelmen are delighted to see the the top points scorer in the Indigo Premiership last season return to Ebbw Vale RFC for 2024/25.
Evan played 27 times for Ebbw Vale in 2023/24 and also passed his landmark 50th appearance for the Steelmen last year.
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NEW SIGNING
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of centre Cameron Davies for the 2024/25 season.
Cam, who was part of the Steelmen squad last season while with the Dragons Academy, has signed permanently with his local Super Rygbi Cymru team.
On signing for the Steelmen, Cam commented, “Really excited to be with Ebbw Vale next season going into the league. Pleasure to be signed for my local team.”
NEW SIGNING!
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of scrum half Dan Buffery from Cross Keys RFC.
Dan, a product of St Peters RFC, has previously played for the Cardiff Blues U17s and Welsh Academicals.
On signing with the Steelmen, Dan stated, “Looking forward to joining the first season of Super Rygbi Cymru with Ebbw Vale and playing with the physicality and speed the league will bring. Looking forward to the challenge ahead.”
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Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of winger Hamish Anderson from Bedwas RFC.
Hamish made a number of appearances for the Steelmen on permit at the end of the 2023/24 season, scoring an interception try on his first start against Carmarthen Quins.
Hamish has previously played for Caerphilly RFC Youth, Coleg y Cymoedd and Dragons U18s.
Hamish says, “Really enjoyed the games I was involved in towards the end of last season. Looking forward to becoming a part of this great team and club.”
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RETAINED
Returning to the Steelmen in 2024/25 will be full back Morgan Richards and 2nd/back row forward Ewan McIntyre.
Morgan will be starting his 3rd season with the Steelmen. He made 21 appearances for Ebbw Vale last season and is closing in on his 50th appearance for the Steelmen.
Morgan stated, “I am very happy to re-sign with Ebbw for the coming season. Can’t wait to get back with the boys to get the season started. Hopefully can get our hands on some silverware for the club and the fans.”
Also retained and starting his 2nd season with Ebbw Vale RFC will be Ewan McIntyre who joined the Steelmen last year following the club’s link up with Christ College, Brecon. Ewan made 17 appearances in 2023/24.
Ewan commented, “Chuffed to be back with the team for the 2024/25 season. Looking forward to the new league with the supporters behind us. Learnt a lot last season from Jason and Aaron. Big season ahead with no doubts in my mind.”
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NEW SIGNING announcements starting tomorrow at 6pm
Also remaining Steelmen for the new campaign are second row forwards Dylan Bartlett and Curtis Gregory
Dylan, who reached his 50th appearance for the Steelmen against Newport in the playoff semi-final will start his third season with the club. Dylan made 26 appearances during 2023/24
Joining him for another season is 2nd row partner Curtis Gregory who made 25 appearances for the Steelmen in 2023/24. Curtis will be looking to pass 50 appearances for the Steelmen during the new season.
Curtis commented, “Pleased to re-sign for my home club/ Looking forward to the upcoming season with the boys. Hopefully we build on last season and celebrate with some silverware at the end of the season.”
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Our next announcement is the retention of front rowers Adam Court and Owen Hatherill.
Adam, who is starting his 3rd season with the Steelmen, made 22 appearances in 2023/24 and will be looking to pass his landmark 50th appearance next year.
Adam commented, “Really happy to be signing for my 3rd season at Ebbw. Last year, getting to the two semi-finals was good but we want to go one better this season.”
Joining Adam is Owen Hatherill , who joined the Steelmen in 2023/24, making 14 appearances during his debut season. Owen stated, “I am excited on re-signing this season to continue playing for an amazing team and community.”
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Joining Cam and Lewis in the back row will be Ryan Jenkins and Ben Main.
Ryan, starting his third season with the Steelmen, played 15 times for the Steelmen in 2023/24. Ryan commented, “When I was asked, I was more than happy to sign on for another season with this great club, in my opinion there’s no better place to be playing my rugby, especially with the coaching and all the support we have. I’ve really enjoyed the last two seasons at Ebbw and I am committed to helping this club achieve great things. Hopefully I will have many more years to come with Ebbw Vale.”
Also remaining with the Steelmen for a second season is exciting young backrower, Ben Main. Ben, who signed from Abergavenny, made 12 appearances in 2023/24 said, “I’m happy to have had the chance to have another season up at Ebbw Vale and can’t wait to get back on the field.”
In our second round of announcements, we start with two players who have made 340 appearances for the Steelmen between them, Cameron Regan and Lewis Young
Cameron, who made 20 appearances on his return to Steelmen colours last season, passed the landmark 200 games towards the end of the season. Cam commented, “Absolute pleasure to sign another year with the club. Had a few offers from the South of France with Toulon etc. but my heart is and will always be in Ebbw. Really looking forward to my 11th season with the club.”
Lewis who also made 20 appearances in 2023/24 will be looking to make his 150th appearance for the Steelmen in 2024/25. Lewis stated, “I’m over the moon to be re-signing at Ebbw Vale RFC for another year, this club and the people involved are very important to me. I think as a team we are improving year on year, and we can learn from the experiences from last season’s semi defeats and use them as fuel to go into the new season, new league and go a step further and bring home some silverware to this club. I’m excited to get stuck into preseason with the boys and have a successful season.”
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of second row, Jack Pope from Bridgend RFC.
Jack, a product of Pencoed RFC, came through the Academy system at the Ospreys winning caps for Wales U16s and U20s.
Jack joined Bridgend RFC at the age of 17 before moving on to play for Pontypridd RFC. Jack returned to Bridgend RFC for the 2022/23 season.
On signing for the Steelmen, Jack commented, “I am looking forward to becoming part of the team at Ebbw Vale. I have played against this club for a number of years and was delighted when Jason got in contact about the new season. A fantastic opportunity to play amongst quality players and coaches. Hopefully, as a team, we can maintain the strong performances and continue to be a competitive side progressing into the new season.”
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Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of Canadian International back row forward, Sion Parry from Pontypridd RFC.
Sion from Rhiwbina, Cardiff played for his local team as a junior before moving onto play for Whitchurch RFC. At senior level, Sion has played for Bedwas RFC before joining Pontypridd RFC.
Sion made his debut for Canada from the bench against Tonga in the first Test of their tour in the summer of 2023. Sion was then selected to start in the second test match.
On signing for the Steelmen, Sion said, “I’m really looking forward to the season ahead with Ebbw and hopefully winning at least one piece of silverware. The coaching set-up and facilities are great so I can’t wait to get started up there.”
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New Signings
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of front row forward Adam Williams from Cardiff Rugby
Adam had previously played for the Steelmen when part of the Dragons Academy and has also played BUCS rugby for Cardiff University.
An age grade international, Adam won 8 caps as part of the Wales U20s squad.
Adam, from Abergavenny, is looking forward to returning to the Steelmen and stated, ‘It’s great to come back to Ebbw. It’s a fantastic club local to my old hometown of Abergavenny that’s going to compete at the top of Super Rygbi Cymru. Really excited to get stuck in at the club. It has great values and great people behind it.”
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Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of exciting, young full back Matt Jones from the Bristol Bears.
Matt, who has been part of the senior Bristol Bears academy, has made several appearances for the senior team and has also played for Cinderford RFC, Dings Crusaders and Shaftesbury Park. Matt joins the Steelmen for the start of the 2024/25 season.
On joining the Steelmen, Matt commented, “Really looking forward to playing for Ebbw Vale. The club has a rich, Welsh history which I am really looking forward to being part of. The new Super Rygbi Cymru competition looks like it will be very exciting and will offer great competition. Can’t wait to get started and get to know the lads.”
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Click on the video below to see some of Matt’s highlights.
Next new player announcement at 6pm tomorrow
Our second announcement this evening is the retention of wingers Ryan Gardner and Ewan Bowden.
Ryan returned to the team following a series of injuries and put in some impressive performances towards the end of last season.
On re-signing with the Steelmen Ryan stated, “After regaining a position in the team following a season of injuries last year, I am looking forward to re-signing for my local premier club Ebbw Vale and am excited to see what we can achieve with the group we have. It’s always an honour to be a part of the club.”
Also staying with the Steelmen for his second season is Ewan Bowden. Ewan who signed for the Steelmen from Cardiff Met made 12 appearances for the Steelmen in 2023/24.
On remaining with the Steelmen, Ewan stated, “I am excited to continue the journey with Ebbw Vale RFC next season. I’m looking forward to building on a good second half of the season and can’t wait to get stuck into Super Rygbi Cymru.”
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Come back tomorrow for more announcements….
Our next pair of signings are front rowers Luke Garrett and Morgan Davies.
Luke made 26 appearances for the Steelmen in 23/24 and reached his landmark 100th appearance for the Steelmen in the last game of the season in the playoff game at Newport.
Luke commented, “I’m really pleased to be signing for another season at this great club. I’m excited by the potential of the squad for next season especially how we have kept improving every year over the last 3 seasons on and off the field as a club. Looking forward to going back into preseason and getting stuck in.”
Morgan returned to the Steelmen last season and a big impression on the Addicts with his performances throughout the season. Morgan went onto make 24 appearances during 2023/24.
Morgan added, “It was a no brainer to re-sign with Ebbw. I was over the moon when given another opportunity for the new season. Really enjoyed being part of this side last season and I’m excited to continue and hopefully build on it with some good performances next season.”
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In our final announcement of the evening, the Steelmen are delighted to announce that scrum halves Jon Evans and Rory Harries will once again be Steelmen in 2024/25.
Jon, who made 26 appearances last season, also passed the landmark 50 appearance for the Steelmen during 2023/24. Jon commented, “I’m delighted to be with Ebbw for another year going into the new league. Hoping we can go one step further than we were able to last season and claim some silverware.”
Also remaining with the Steelmen for a second season is Rory Harries. Rory made a big impression in his first season at the Steelmen scoring 9 tries in 24 appearances from scrum half.
Rory stated, “Really excited to be with Ebbw Vale for another year and looking forward to another tough season and bringing back some silverware.”
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Next up, the Steelmen are delighted to announce that Joe Franchi will continue to play for the Steelmen in 2024/25. Joe co-captained the team last season, in which he made 16 appearances.
On signing for another season of Steelmen rugby, Joe said, “It probably goes without saying that I was happy to sign for Ebbw Vale again next year. I’m looking forward to hopefully getting my 200 cap this year and having another season playing alongside my brother and best mates. I think we made a lot of progress last year by getting to two semi-finals. I’m confident we can go one better next year.”
Joining Joe at hooker for his second season at the club is Ieuan Morris. Ieuan made a big impact in his first season at the Steelmen scoring 8 tries in 20 appearances.
Ieuan commented, “Happy to have re-signed with the club after a good season last year. If last year is anything to go by, this year could be special. It was good to get back out on the field last year after my knee injury and can’t wait to get back into preseason.”
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The first players retained for the 2024/25 season like to be the centre of attention here at Ebbw Vale RFC.
Ethan Phillips, after picking up the Man of Steel and both Player of the Year Awards at the club’s recent presentation evening, has re-signed for another season of Steelmen rugby and will look to reach the landmark of 100 appearances for the Steelmen during 2024/25. Ethan was last season’s top try scorer and was also selected in the Indigo Premiership Team of the Year.
On committing to the Steelmen for another season, Ethan said, “It’s always a pleasure to sign on the dotted line for my hometown club. Really looking forward to building on last year and hopefully win some silverware.”
Joining Ethan will be fellow centre Dom Franchi. Dom made 26 appearances in 2023/24 and captained the team on a number of occasions. Dom will be looking to pass 150 appearances for the Steelmen during 2024/25.
Dom stated, “I’m delighted to have re-signed for the coming season… Ebbw is my home, and I am looking forward to building on last season in a new league structure.”
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Ebbw’s semi-final heartache
The Steelmen came out second best against a clinical Newport side, on a sunny Saturday afternoon in Newport.
The home side were soon in front when experienced fly half Matt O’Brien kicked a penalty from in front of the uprights.
The visitors were level shortly after, when outside half Evan Lloyd brought the scores level after Ebbw Vale were awarded a penalty from the scrum.
A further penalty by number ten Lloyd saw the away side take the lead, midway through the first half.
The first try of the game was scored by Newport. Good play out wide saw centre Joe Westwood go over in the corner. An excellent conversion from the touchline by O’Brien saw the hosts take a four-point lead.
A lovely break through the centre of midfield, from the halfway line by Ebbw centre Ethan Phillips, saw the centre draw the opposing full back and pass the ball to the supporting Ryan Gardner. With the winger looking likely to score, opposing winger Lloyd Lewis came from nowhere to pull off a try saving tackle for his side.
The black and ambers were to score two quick fire tries down the blind side by winger Elliot Frewen and scrum half Che Hope just before half time. Outside half O’Brien successfully added the two conversions to give his side a twenty-one-point lead going into the break.
Half Time: Newport RFC 27 Ebbw Vale RFC 6
Newport started the second half just like they finished the first. Centre Westwood scored his second try out wide after the home side’s forwards made inroads into the Ebbw defence. O’Brien again, sent the conversion through the uprights to add the extras.
The Steelmen’s coach Jason Strange replaced the front row. Co-captain Rhys Francis replaced hooker Joe Franchi, in what was to be Francis’ final game and props Morgan Davies and Owen Hatherill came on for Luke Garrett and Adam Court.
The hosts fifth try of the afternoon came when from a lineout, the ball made its way out to centre Westwood, who burst through the Ebbw Vale defence to score a hat trick of tries. O’Brien added the two points.
Further changes by the visitor’s coach Strange saw centre Dominic Franchi come off for Cameron Davies, Owen Conquer replace number eight Ryan Jenkins and flanker Ben Main be replaced by Ewan McIntyre.
With just over ten minutes left in the game the away side were reduced to fourteen men. Flanker Lewis Young received a yellow card for ill-discipline.
However, whilst down to fourteen men, the Steelmen scored their only try of the afternoon. With the forwards going through the phases, young number eight Owen Conquer picked the ball up from the ruck and used his strength to dive over the line to score. Number ten Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.
The final change of the afternoon for the visitors saw Rory Harries came on for Ryan Gardner.
With the game entering injuring time, a lovely cross field kick by outside half O’Brien, just inside the Newport half saw the ball end up in the hands of winger Lloyd Lewis. With two men to beat, the speedster side stepped his man and showed his speed to go over the try line unopposed. O’Brien kept up one hundred percent kicking accuracy by adding the extra two points.
Full Time: Newport RFC 48 Ebbw Vale RFC 13
Tries: Owen Conquer (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (1)
Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)
After the game, we spoke with Ebbw Vale Scrum half Jon Evans, Jon was disappointed with the result. He acknowledged it was not what the squad wanted. However, he praised the side for the effort put in during the season, especially when comparing to where the team ended last year. Jon finished by advising it was tough to play away from home, every player gave everything they possibly could on the field and he was proud of the team.
Ebbw take the spoils against Pontypool
The Steelmen gained revenge for defeat in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, in a game that was again played in front of the S4C Clic cameras on a Thursday evening.
With the hosts gaining the upper hand in the scrum, Ebbw Vale were quick to get the first points of the game, when full back Evan Lloyd kicked a penalty early on.
However, the leagues top point scorer was unable to double his sides advantage soon after, when the referee awarded another penalty to Ebbw.
After the visitors got into the game, a well struck penalty by Pooler outside half Matthew Jarvis brought the game level at three a piece. Jarvis was also off target with a penalty moments later to keep the score level.
A good passage of play by the Steelmen backs, saw centre Ethan Phillip pull of a trademark move by slicing through the away side’s defence. With what looked like just the full back to beat, an excellent ankle tap tackle saw Phillips go to ground and the play came to nothing.
With only minutes left of the first half, Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange was forced into making his first substitution of the evening. Co-captain Rhys Francis was forced off with an injury, on what was likely to be his final home appearance before retiring. Fellow co-captain Joe Franchi replaced hooker Francis.
The first try of the evening came to the home side on the stroke of halftime. Fullback Evan Lloyd excellently caught a clearing kick from the away side around the halfway line. With flyhalf Kieran Meek inside him, Lloyd offloaded to the number ten. With plenty to do, the Ebbw flyhalf carved his wave through the visitor’s defence to pass to the supporting Ethan Phillips. With the centre about to be tackled, Phillips offloaded the ball to winger Harry Rees-Weldon, who showed his pace by beating a defender and going over in the corner. Fullback Lloyd was unable to add the extras.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 8 Pontypool RFC 3
Pontypool came out for the second half with a point to prove. From a lineout inside the Ebbw Vale twenty-two number eight Scott Matthews charged at the hosts defenders. Seeing a gap on the inside the number passed inside to the supporting Morgan Lloyd and the youngster raced over the line unopposed. Jarvis successfully added the conversion to put the away side in front for the time in the evening.
With the game swinging one way, then the other, Ebbw Vale full back Lloyd was successful with another penalty to put the Steelmen back in front by one point.
The away side were given another opportunity to regain the lead through a penalty. However, number ten Jarvis was off target with his effort.
The hosts coach Strange made a raft of changes. Props Morgan Davies, Owen Hatherill, flanker Lewis Young and number eight Owen Conquer replaced Luke Garrett, Adam Court, Ben Main and Ryan Jenkins.
Ebbw were offered a further opportunity to extend their lead further. However, Lloyd was unsuccessful with his attempt at goal.
A further change by Strange, saw the home side’s centre Dominic Franchi be replaced by Cameron Davies.
The decisive score of the game came in the sixty ninth minute. From a lineout just inside the Pontypool half, the ball made its way out to the Ebbw Vale midfield. With plenty of defenders in front of him, flanker Lewis Young charged his way through the defence to offload to the supporting Evan Lloyd. With the full back running into the away side’s twenty-two at pace, only a covering tackle denied Lloyd the try. Ebbw scrum half Jon Evan was quick to pick up the ball, run up the blindside and pass to the overlapping Ethan Phillips, for the centre to barge over the line out wide. Lloyd was unsuccessful with his attempt from the touchline.
The hosts final replacements of the evening saw scrum half Rory Harries and full back Morgan Richards replace Jon Evans and Evan Lloyd.
No further points were added to the scoreline in a game that was likely to be Ebbw Vale’s last home game of the season.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 16 Pontypool RFC 10
Tries: Harry Rees Weldon (1), Ethan Phillips (1)
Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)
After the game we spoke with Ebbw Vale winger and try scorer Harry Rees Weldon. Harry thought it was a hard-fought game, which the squad made harder than it should have been. He added the team needed momentum during the game, which they were unable to find, especially in the middle third and believed Ebbw were lucky to come away with the win.
We also spoke with Pontypool and ex-Ebbw vale second row Ashley Sweet. Ashley said it was a very hard game, one which they knew it was going to be. He added Pontypool have had a cracking season. They pride themselves on being physical and staying in battles, which we did during the game. Ashley thought it was a good game.
Discussing his return to the ground, Ashley thought It is fantastic. He added having been at Ebbw Vale for so long, it holds a dear place in his heart. Ashley finished by stating coming back brought back some good memories.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
The Steelmen March On
Ebbw came away from Carmarthen with a win, after playing in front of the TV cameras in a game that was played in tough weather conditions.
Jason Strange made numerous changes to his side, which saw ten players under the age of twenty-one involved.
The visitors were quick out of the blocks. After being awarded a penalty in the Quins half inside the first minute, outside half Kieran Meek kicked to touch. After winning the lineout inside the hosts twenty-two the forwards set up a rolling maul. With the backs joining in, hooker Ieuan Morris was on hand to dive over the line to score the opening try. Fly half Meek was unsuccessful with the conversion.
Inside ten minutes the away side doubled their try tally. With the home side attempting to go through the phases just inside the Ebbw Vale half, winger Hamish Anderson intercepted a pass and ran half the length of the field unopposed to score for the Steelmen. Meek added the extras.
Within a few minutes, Carmarthen immediately hit back. From a lineout inside the Ebbw Vale twenty-two, sloppy play at the lineout saw the hosts centre Iestyn Gwilliam dive on the ball over the try line. Number ten Charlie Titcombe brought his team back to within five points.
The hosts reduced the deficit further from a successful penalty by outside half Titcombe just on the Ebbw Vale five metre line.
On around the thirty minute mark Ebbw fly-half Meek successfully kicked a penalty after good work by the forwards saw the Steelmen nearly score a third try, only for referee Ben Breakspear to penalise Carmarthen.
The Quins were to draw level shortly after. A good take and run from his own twenty-two by outside half Titcombe resulted in full back Rhodri Davies scoring an excellent team try. Titcombe again added the two points to put the home side in front for the first time in the game.
With the half drawing to a close, a lose kick by the visitors, saw a home side player chip the ball over the top of the Steelmen’s defence from the half way line. A handling error on the floor by the covering defence, saw the ball go free for the hosts full back Davies to score his second and Carmarthen’s third try of the game. Titcombe was successful with the conversion to extend the home sides lead to nine points going into the interval.
Half Time: Carmarthen Quins RFC 24 Ebbw Vale RFC 15
The visitor’s coach Strange started to make substitutions. Fullback Morgan Richards was replaced by Ewan Bowden and E Evans came on for Ewan McIntyre.
The first points of the second half came from a penalty to Ebbw. Trying to play out from their own twenty-two, Carmarthen were penalised for holding on, with Ebbw Vale flanker Lewis Young looking to win a turnover.
The Steelmen’s coach Strange made further changes by replacing number eight Owen Conquer with Ben Main and prop Morgan Williams came on for Morgan Davies. Further replacements saw co-captain Rhys Francis replace hooker Ieuan Morris, prop Harry Drane come off for Owen Hatherill and try scorer Hamish Anderson was replaced by Ryan Gardner.
With the forwards going through phase after phase, prop Owen Hatherill drove over the line from a yard out to score the decisive try. Number ten Meek added the two points to put Ebbw in the lead by one point with approximately fifteen minutes to go.
A further change by Ebbw Vale coach Strange saw scrum half Dylan Davies come on for the injured substitute Ewan Bowden.
With less than five minutes to go, flyhalf Meek scored the final points of the game from with a penalty to extend the away side’s lead to four points.
Despite late pressure, the Quins were unable to get over the tryline and the referee Breakspear blew his whistle to bring the game to an end.
FT: Carmarthen Quins RFC 24 Ebbw Vale RFC 28
Tries: Ieaun Morris (1), Hamish Anderson (1), Owen Hatherill (1)
Conversions: Kieran Meek (2)
Penalties: Kieran Meek (3)
Ebbw Vale’s next game is at home at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Thursday 18th April 2024 against Pontypool RFC in front of the S4C Clic cameras, with kick-off at 7:30pm
Written By Alex Kinsella-Evans
Ebbw claim another 5 pointer
Ebbw Vale secured a place in the play offs with two games to spare, after claiming a bonus point victory at home against Aberavon.
The hosts were quick out of the blocks. A penalty within minutes of kick off by full back Evan Lloyd saw the home side take an early lead.
With the Steelmen well on top, a dangerous break by scrum half Rory Harries from around the half way line saw the scrum half carve open the away sides defence. With just the full back to beat, Harries drew the man and attempted to pass inside to support runners, only for Aberavon’s full back Steff Andrews to knock the ball on. Referee Gareth Newman adjudged the away sides full back to have deliberately knocked the ball on and showed Andrews a yellow card and awarded Ebbw a penalty try.
Moments later the home side extended their lead further. An excellent break by winger Ryan Gardner took Ebbw Vale into the Aberavon half. Quick ball out to the backs saw centre Ethan Phillips make a further break and pass to full back Evan Lloyd to cross the line. Lloyd successfully added the two points to put the hosts twenty points in the lead.
With the wind behind them, two successful penalties by Lloyd saw the Steelmen go into the half time interval with a twenty six point lead.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 26 Aberavon RFC 0
The away side came out for the second half and started to gain some time with the ball and territory. Within minutes of the restart Aberavon outside half James Davies got his sides first points of the game from a penalty.
Ebbw Vale full back Lloyd successfully kicked a penalty for Ebbw to put his side back in front by 26 points.
The Steelmen’s coach Jason Strange replaced scrum half Rory Harries with Jon Evans and moments later the front row of Morgan Davies, Joe Franchi and Adam Court were replaced by Luke Garrett, Ieuan Morris and Owen Hatherill. Further changes by Strange saw centre Dom Franchi come off for Cameron Davies and Morgan Richards came on for Kieran Meek.
Midway through the second half Aberavon scored their first try of the afternoon. A good team break saw winger Chris Banfield finish off the move in the corner. Fly half Davies was unable to add the extras.
Ebbw responded within ten minutes. Quick ball from a ruck inside the Aberavon twenty-two saw the ball go out to Lewis Young on the wing. With supporting players inside him, Young dived over the line to score his sides third try of the afternoon. Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion from out wide.
Further changes by Ebbw saw second row Dylan Bartlett leave the field to be replaced by Jakub Malecki and flanker Ben Main came off for Rhys Francis, who was playing in an unfamiliar position.
With the final play of the game, Ebbw had control of the ball just inside the visitor’s half. Quick ball out to Ethan Phillips saw the centre make a clean break and go over the try line under the posts unopposed to score the Steelmen’s bonus point try. Evan Lloyd kicked the conversion with the final kick of the ball.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 41 Aberavon RFC 8
Man Of The Match: Curtis Gregory
Tries: Penalty try, Evan Lloyd, Lewis Young, Ethan Phillips
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3)
Penalties: Evan Lloyd (5)
After the game we spoke with Ebbw Vale centre Cameron Davies. Cameron thought it was a good game overall, the squad worked really hard under pressure. Cameron thought the team pressured and squeezed Aberavon and was happy to come away with the win.
Ebbw Vale’s next game is away to Carmarthen Quins in front of the S4C Clic camera’s on Thursday 11th April 2024, with kick off at 7:30pm.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans