Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
Ebbw claimed victory over the All Whites as they eased out 14-5 victors at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium. With the ground heavy underfoot and a northerly wind capable of launching a hot air balloon without assistance was never going to make for a flowing game.
Nevertheless, it was the hosts who got the scoreboard ticking after some heavy forward pressure told with Alex Grey going over, converted by Rhys Jones. Not to be outdone, Swansea soon retaliated with a try of their own, but minus the conversion.
Most of the action took place in the middle third of the park, with plenty of rugby tennis seeing out the minutes. It wasn’t until Ebbw had a succession of scrums in the clubhouse corner that anyone looked like scoring. It wasn’t to be, the visitors held out and Ebbw went in 7-5 up.
It took 20 minutes before the next, and final score would follow. The field fatiguing the forwards and limiting back play. Ebbw also hindered with Dan Haymond, Ethan Phillips and Rhys Jones all leaving the field with injuries.
Daf Howells bagged himself another Ebbw try when he clattered over at the cricket end, Evan Lloyd’s conversion taking it to a two-score game. The host held out for a win that sees them leapfrog Llanelli and Swansea in the table.
Speaking after the game, Head Coach Jason Strange said, “pleased with the result, we had a lot of disruption in the backline losing Dan and Ethan within half an hour, which always takes some adapting, then losing Rhys just after half time. Overall, it was a good performance, we controlled the game and looked a lot more assured and is all part of a longer journey.
“We all want to be winning comfortably, but it’s small steps for now. Our front five looked good, Ethan Doyle was awesome. In conditions like this your forwards win or lose you the game and full credit to the pack, they went well. Our lineout improved massively from last week.
“Winning gives us confidence, Swansea stuck in there and are a young team who made it difficult for us.
“It’s still early yet, but Ethan’s injury looked nasty, Dan was just a dead leg and some of the forwards were fatigued.”
By Rob Rees
The Steelmen welcome Swansea to the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium on Saturday for a much welcomed 2.30pm kick-off. Supporters are reminded that the hospitality session with Dai Llewellyn, Nick Wakeley and Lenny Woodard starts at midday and food will be served from 12:45 for those who have bought tickets.
The All Whites last made the trip to Ebbw Vale back in 2019, resulting in a 13-10 victory for the visitors. Jason Strange’s men will be hoping for a different result this time round. Swansea sit 9th, just one point ahead of Ebbw. As such a win is crucial for both sides to gather some momentum heading into the second half Premiership games.
There may be no relegation this season but turning wins into momentum ahead of next season will be a major goal.
Ebbw enter the game following a disappointing result up north, but performances have increased in quality since the turn of the year, with a win against Llanelli, before pushing Newport all the way on TV.
Let’s make sure to pack the bank and let Swansea #FEELTHESTEEL!!!
You can purchase your match tickets ahead of time here; Indigo Welsh Premiership – Saturday 12th March – Swansea | EVRFC
By Rob Rees
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Swansea
Your Steelmen side to take on Swansea this Saturday 12th March 14:30pm at CiNER Glass community stadium in the Indigo Welsh Premiership.
Pre purchase tickets here https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-saturday-12th-march-swansea/
The Side:
15 Dan Haymond
14 Carrick McDonough
13 Dom Franchi ©
12 Ethan Phillips
11 Dafydd Howells
10 Rhys Jones
9 Jonathan Evans
8 Alex Grey
7 Joe Thomas
6 Dan Hill
5 Ethan Doyle
4 Lance Randall
3 Dave Whiting
2 Mikhail Blake
1 Joel Harries
Replacements
16 Lewis Kinsella
17 Ross Jones
18 Rob Sevenoaks
19 Corey Talbot
20 Gethin Williams
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Evan Lloyd
23 Ryan Evans
On Saturday for our home game against Swansea we are hosting our sponsors event at the club before the game. There will be a Q&A with former Ebbw Vale favourites scrum half David Llewellyn, Winger Lenny Woodard and former player and coach Nick Wakley! There will also be a guess the score competition and a one course meal before the game.
Arrival for the event will be from midday with food served from 12:45.
We have a couple of tables available for supporters to book, for just £10 per person (excludes match day ticket for supporters) you could be part of this enjoyable event! Individual places or group bookings can be made by contacting Gareth on the detail below. Bookings need to be made by Wednesday evening 6pm.
To book email marketing@evrfc.co.uk or call 07974873683
Ebbw Vale Side To Play RGC
Your Steelmen side to take on RGC this Saturday 14:30pm at Parc Eirias in the Indigo Welsh Premiership.
Follow updates of the game, follow our social media channels on Twitter @evrfc and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SteelmanRugby
The side:
15 Dan Haymond
14 Carrick McDonough
13 Ryan Evans
12 Ethan Phillips
11 Dafydd Howells
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Jonathan Evans ©
8 Alex Howes
7 Joe Thomas
6 Dan Hill
5 Ethan Doyle
4 Lance Randall
3 Dave Whiting
2 Harry Bee
1 Joel Harries
Replacements
16 Liam Lewis
17 Ross Jones
18 Rob Sevenoaks
19 Corey Talbot
20 Alex Grey
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Rhys Jones
23 Mike Powell
Travelling reserves:
Lewis Kinsella & Oliver Andrews
The performance was much better and you can start to see the side developing under Chippy and Co, Jason said “I thought we were really good value in the second half and nobody would have had any complaints if we had won or drew.
The fixture against Carmarthen Quins that was postponed due to the recent weather has been rearranged for Saturday, April 9th with a 14:30pm kick off at Ebbw Vale.
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Newport
Your Steelmen squad to take on Newport Live on S4C this Thursday 7:30pm at the CiNER Glass Community Stadium in the Indigo Welsh Premiership.
We ask all supporters to pre purchase your tickets here online in advance https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/thursday-24th-february-newport-rfc/
The game will be shown live on S4C’s social media channels https://www.facebook.com/s4cchwaraeon/
TEAM
15 Dan Haymond
14 Carrick McDonough
13 Dom Franchi (C)
12 Ethan Phillips
11 Dafydd Howells
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Matthew Flanagan
8 Lewis Young
7 Owen Young
6 Alex Howes
5 Ethan Doyle
4 Dan Hill
3 Dave Whiting
2 Harry Bee
1 Ross Jones
Replacements
16 Mikhail Blake
17 Rob Sevenoaks
18 Joel Harris
19 Lance Randall
20 Joe Thomas
21 Jonathan Evans
22 Rhys Jones
23 Ryan Evans
The Steelmen welcome fellow Gwent rivals to the CiNER Glass Community Stadium on Thursday evening for a night under the lights and on TV – well, streaming online.
Newport have been perennial foes for as far back as anyone can remember, even REL! The battles may not have the international names of years gone by, but they still harvest the same intensity and passion as ever, especially with it being the only Gwent derby in the current Premiership table.
Whilst Ebbw have struggled at times this season, Newport have well and truly flourished under Tyron Morris and it’ll no doubt be an extremely tough task for Ebbw.
The Steelmen enter off a back of a postponement last weekend after inclement weather – even us up in Ebbw get that! – took the game out of our control.
Nevertheless, our last trip on to a field was a victorious one as Llanelli made the visit to Ebbw Vale.
Newport’s recent form has been some of the best in the league, winning each of their last seven games. Both sides will want to play some rugby, but with a heavy pitch underneath we could well see a forward tussle for the ages.
The last Ebbw victory between the two sides came back in March 2019, running out 31-29 winners that day at Rodney Parade.
To steal Jason’s thoughts on the times ahead, “I thought tonight was the first real sign of being near where we want our culture to be. We looked like a team that wanted to play for each other for the first time and I hope that continues into Carmarthen.”
You can purchase your tickets online here: Thursday 24th February – Newport RFC | EVRFC
You can still purchase tickets on the gate, and for anyone travelling up the valley, please be aware that the bridge just south of the ground is having repair work done and as such the tunnel underneath on the way to the ground is closed. Just go up to the town centre and cut back down Libanus Road.
We hope to see a big crowd to pack the bank and help the boys make Newport #FEELTHESTEEL
Due to the adverse weather conditions and the rain not easing up, unfortunately todays fixture against Carmarthen Quins has been postponed after a pitch inspection at the ground. The rearrangement of the game will be communicated as soon as possible.
Ebbw remain at home this weekend as we welcome Carmarthen Quins to the CiNER Glass Community Stadium. Following on from a fortnight night ago, with a first win under Jason Strange versus Llanelli the camp is in a happy mood and knows there is still plenty to come.
“We’re still learning about each other, but we need consistency as a group and individually. When people did their jobs, we looked half decent, and we need to keep that level up,” said Jason.
This will be the first meeting between the sides since February 29th, 2020 – nearly two years following Covid. That one ended 6-6, and with a red weather warning for much of South Wales this weekend it’s fair to say it could be another close, low-scoring affair.
The Steelmen’s first league win of the season, and first of any kind since September saw them leapfrog both Swansea and Bridgend, who remain winless. Quins, however, have been rampant to get their league campaign underway. They currently sit top of the league having played four times already and will pose both a powerful forward threat and a potent backline.
“I thought tonight was the first real sign of being near where we want our culture to be. We looked like a team that wanted to play for each other for the first time and I hope that continues into Carmarthen,” Jason added.
Supporters are reminded to remain vocal at all times and you can purchase tickets here: Indigo Welsh Premiership – Saturday 19th February – Carmarthen | EVRFC
Let’s pack the bank and make sure Carmarthen #FEELTHESTEEL
By Robert Rees
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Quins
Your Steelmen squad to take on Carmarthen Quins this Saturday 2:30pm at the CiNER Glass Community Stadium in the Indigo Welsh Premiership.
We ask all supporters to pre purchase your tickets here online in advance https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-saturday-19th-february-carmarthen/
15 Dan Haymond
14 Dafydd Howells
13 Dom Franchi (Capt)
12 Ethan Phillips
11 Carrick McDonough
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Matthew Flanagan
8 Lewis Young
7 Owen Young
6 Alex Howes
5 Dan Hill
4 Ethan Doyle
3 Dave Whiting
2 Harry Bee
1 Ross Jones
Replacements
16 Mikhail Blake
17 Rob Sevenoaks
18 Joel Harris
19 Lance Randall
20 Joe Thomas
21 Jonathan Evans
22 Rhys Jones
23 Ryan Evans
Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the signings of Joe Thomas from Cross Keys RFC and Lewis Kinsella from USK RFC.
Joe joins the club as an open side flanker and has worked under Jason previously with Wales U18s and follows in father Gavin’s footsteps in wearing the red, green and white at Eugene Cross Park. Signed at the same time, Lewis is a talented loose head prop who will add depth to the Ebbw Vale front row.
Joe will cover the gap in the squad with Dawid Rubasniak being ruled out by injury for the rest of the season
Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the appointment of Geraint Lewis who is returning to the club having had a 4 month stint at the club in 2013/14 as forwards coach of the Steelmen. Geraint is a leading coach within the game and has experience in playing at the highest level where he won 16 caps for Wales and has represented Pontypridd RFC, Rotherham Titans, Bristol and Bath Rugby.
Geraint, who has been the Wales Women forwards coach for the past two years, was part of the Wales U20 Grand Slam winning coaching team in 2016 and carried out the roles of Wales U18 and Wales U19 head coach prior to joining the Wales Women coaching team on a full-time basis. He has also previously coached Pontypridd in the Indigo Welsh Premiership
Geraint is linking up with Jason Strange having worked together with the Welsh age grade groups previously.
Geraint said; I am delighted to be back at Ebbw Vale as part of the coaching group. When Jason phoned me to enquire whether I would be interested in helping out, I did not hesitate to accept. With my change of circumstances professionally, it offers me the ideal opportunity to combine my daytime coaching and lecturing with young talented players at Coleg y Cymoedd, whilst also supplementing this with coaching at the top end of the semi professional game in the Welsh Premiership.
In my short time with the squad thus far, the players have proved to be a hard working, ambitious and able group who are determined to improve the clubs fortunes going forward and I hopefully can play my part in this.
Jonathan Jones Ebbw Vale RFC chairman said: Geraint made a great impression in the short time he was at the club as a coach in 2013/14 prior to moving to Pontypridd RFC as part of his then role with the Cardiff Regional set up. He renews his successful coaching partnership with Jason Strange that was very successful at Wales 18 and U20 levels. Geraint coaching ability will assist the development of the all the players plus the younger coaches within Jasons coaching group
We can now confirm that the home fixture against Llandovery in the Indigo Welsh Premiership will be played on Thursday 17th March with a 7:30pm kick off. The game will take place at the CiNER Glass Community stadium EXP.
Ebbw claim first win under Strange this season
Ebbw got their first win of the league campaign and their first win since September as they took down Llanelli 22-12 at the CiNER Glass Community Stadium on Friday night.
The pack were well on top as the healthy crowd were in fine voice, the first loud roar of the night coming when Alex Grey crossed over the whitewash after some hefty forward work.
It was once again Grey who got the second try, but kudos must go to the likes of Dom Franchi whose stinging tackle near the bank on the Llanelli winger echoed around the ground.
Rhys Jones was also back in fine fettle, as he utilised the wind that was with the hosts to great avail. The Steelmen leading 17-5 at the break following a late Llanelli try.
Jason Strange’s side would once again resume control when Daf Howells bagged yet another try for Ebbw, crossing in the far corner to put Ebbw within a shout of a bonus point. Despite some major chances it never came, but the home crowd were in fine spirits seeing the boys back to winning ways and having some key players back from injury.
Looking back at the game Jason said, “after Cardiff last week it was a big improvement. Probably the biggest plus was the players stuck with what we asked them to do and executed it well. On top of that there was a lot more emotion and desperation, which should be the minimum.
“I’m always going to be greedy, but I felt we left the bonus point out there and we deserved it, but in the last half hour we got a but frenetic. If we’d been a bit more clinical, we could have bagged two or three more tries, but that’ll come.”
The club goes again on the 19th when we welcome another West Walian outfit, Carmarthen Quins to the CiNER Glass Community Stadium Eugene Cross Park.
TICKETS
We ask non season ticket holder supporters to pre purchase tickets here https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-saturday-19th-february-carmarthen/
We can now confirm a date for the team’s rearranged Indigo Welsh Premiership fixture away to Pontypridd. The fixture will take place on Saturday 23rd April with a 2:30pm kick off away at Sardis Road.
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Llanelli
Your Steelmen squad to take on Llanelli this Friday evening at the CiNER Glass Community Stadium with a 7:30pm kick off in the Indigo Welsh Premiership.
We ask all supporters to pre purchase your tickets here online in advance https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-friday-4th-llanelli/
15 Dan Haymond
14 Carrick McDonough
13 Dom Franchi
12 Ethan Phillips
11 Dafydd Howells
10 Rhys Jones
9 Jonathan Evans (Capt)
8 Lewis Young
7 Alex Grey
6 Alex Howes
5 Ethan Doyle
4 Dan Hill
3 Dave Whiting
2 Harry Bee
1 Ross Jones
Replacements
16 Mikhail Blake
17 Rob Sevenoaks
18 Aaron Coundley
19 Owen Young
20 Lance Randall
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Mike Powell
23 Ryan Evans
Ebbw Vale v Llanelli Preview
Ebbw welcome Llanelli to the CiNER Glass Community Stadium on Friday (7.30KO) in what should be a very tasty clash. Ebbw will be hoping to lift the curtain on a 10-game losing streak after finishing bottom of the east conference, against the side that took bottom spot in the west!
Llanelli have picked up their first win of the season at the weekend though, against Bridgend, so have no doubts it’ll be a tough clash for both sides.
Despite entering the game following a hard result at Cardiff, Jason is keeping the eyes firmly on the home camp, “we’re at the start of a long journey for the players, who are understanding what they want and what we want from them.”
It’s the first home game of 2022, so make sure to pack the bank and help the boys get back to winning ways.
Get your tickets beforehand here: https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-friday-4th-llanelli/
The TV cameras were back as Ebbw fell to Cardiff on Thursday night in Jason Strange’s first match back as Head Coach.
The visitors were first on the board when just two minutes into the game Rhys Jones kicked a penalty to give the Steelmen the lead. Cardiff would soon level with a penalty of their own, Aaron Coundley soon sin binned for a late hit. Cardiff taking full advantage of the extra man quickly racked up two tries before Ryan Evans saw yellow for taking out Theo Cabango, who was certainly in for a try had it not been for a late tackle.
New signing Alex Howe grabbed a try of Ebbw’s own before the break, but it wasn’t enough to force pressure on the Blue and Blacks! Six further tries would follow despite some parity at the scrum, but Ebbw Addicts in attendance last Thursday would certainly agree that it’ll take a few games before we see any noticeable game plan change.
“The tone of the game was set in the first 10 minutes really. For all our efforts and commitment, we were tactically quite poor and unforced errors never allowed us to get that back. We could have gone in 22-10 but didn’t and that would have been a massive bonus.
“Lots of work to do, but we learnt lots. If you’re on the back foot and under pressure you tend to give away penalties and cards. We’ve got a lot more to worry about than discipline, the foundation of our game needs to be stronger.
“The enthusiasm was very good first half and we’ve come up against a team in form and we’re at the start of a long journey for the players, who are understanding what they want and what we want from them.
“I’m not too worried about other teams, we’ll get our own house in order,” said Jason.
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Cardiff
Your Steelmen squad to take on Cardiff this Thursday at Cardiff Arms Park with a 7:30pm kick off in the Indigo Welsh Premiership. Lets have a vocal Ebbw following to shout on the boy’s!
The fixture will be shown LIVE on the S4C facebook and youtube channels
Covid guidelines apply http://cardiffrfc.com/covid-19-guidelines
15 Ryan Evans
14 Jordan Thomas
13 Dom Franchi
12 Ethan Phillips
11 Mike Powell
10 Rhys Jones
9 Jonathan Evans
1 Aaron Coundley
2 Mikhail Blake
3 Rob Sevenoaks
4 Dan Hill
5 Corey Talbot
6 Alex Howe
7 Owen Young
8 Lewis Young
16 Harri Bees
17 Ross Jones
18 Dave Whiting
19 Ethan Doyle
20 Alex Grey
21 Matthew Flanaghan
22 Richard Powell
23 Oliver Andrews
Looking ahead to their televised game with Cardiff at the Arms Park on Thursday night, returning Head Coach Jason Strange gives his thoughts on his return to the club, and looks ahead to his first proper game in charge.
“The boys have been great over Christmas, doing two or three sessions a week. I’m standing back a little bit and see where we are to know where we want to go with the lads, to create a game plan.”
“It’s better coming into the club this time round than it was when I first came here in 2010, I think it was, where we only had 6 players on the books and were in the Championship. At least we have 25 of our own players this time and are in the Premiership.”
The club had only won twice this season before Jason arrived and sat on the foot of the eastern conference of the Indigo Group Premiership Cup. Despite the obvious challenges ahead, Jason knows exactly what he wants from the players, and where he wants to go with them.
“We’ve worked on fitness a lot, and they’ve found that tough. Coming in, I’ve looked at the behaviour to see what type of group we are and what we want to be, on and off the field. Boys like Ross Jones and Aaron Coundley have added plenty of experience and we’re a young squad.
“We’re looking at recruiting all the time, similar to what we do at St. Helens’, and the boys we want to bring in are those who need a chance, like Alex Howe at Abergavenny. I’m also looking at a few local boys as they’ll bring and understand the passion that they need to bring and succeed at the club.”
Supporters are urged to click record on their TV and head to the capital via train, bus or car and get behind Chippy and the boys, to make sure Cardiff #FEELTHESTEEL!!!
Anyone attending will require a Covid-19 pass. Get your digital pass at https://gov.wales/nhs-covid-pass-prove-your-vaccination-status
A paper pass is available if you call 0300 303 5667.
Our Indigo Group Welsh Premiership fixture against Newport RFC has been re-arranged for Thursday 24th of February with a 7:30pm kick off. The game will also be shown live via the s4c CLIC service online via youtube and facebook
Our Indigo Group Welsh Premiership fixture against Llanelli RFC has been re-arranged for Friday 4th of February with a 7:30pm kick off.
Pre purchase your tickets here for ease of entry https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-friday-4th-llanelli/