Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
Ronny Kynes has been named as the Welsh Rugby Writers’ Association’s “Premiership Player of the Year” for 2015-16. Beating off fierce competition from 12 other Premiership regulars, Ronny took the top prize, ahead of Llandovery’s Rhodri Davies. Everyone associated with Ebbw Vale RFC send warmest congratulations to the only current player in Wales to have a move named after him!
Ronny will receive his award at the 42nd annual dinner of the Welsh Rugby Writers, at Cardiff RFC on Thursday, September 1. He’ll be in the company of another back row forward with strong links to Eugene Cross Park, as Taulupe Faletau will be presented with the award for Welsh Player of the Year.
Hot on the heels of the above announcement comes the news that Ronny has also been named as Principality Premiership Player of the Month for April.
Ronny, a cult hero at Eugene Cross Park for his energy, work-rate all around the park and ‘Catch and Kynes’ move, has been turning heads all season, and particularly since the New Year. His performances in March helped Ebbw clinch three out of three league wins, and with two more wins in April they grabbed the third place position. Ronny puts the Steelmen’s consistency down to the togetherness in the squad built up over the last five or six years.
“There’s a brilliant environment at Ebbw Vale. I’ve been here five years and we have a consistent squad in training week in week out. Jason (Strange) did a lot of good work and Nigel (Davies) has done a great job since coming in last year too.
“I have to thank the forwards for doing all the hard work, I just take the glory when it comes to the ‘Catch and Kynes’ scores!
“We never doubted we could do well in the Premiership. Last year was a fantastic achievement to reach the final and we wanted to go one better this year and win. We left it late but luckily we found some consistency in the last couple of months and made the play-offs.
“Sunday will be tough at Llandovery, especially after they’ve won the Cup last week but we’re looking forward to it all the same.”
Natalie Stevens, Principality Building Society’s Ebbw Vale branch manager, said: “Ronny has had a great season for Ebbw Vale, helping them to another strong season in the Principality Premiership. He has scored some fantastic tries and we wish him and Ebbw Vale all the best for next season.”
Ronny Kynes factfile
Born: 18.8.86, Caerphilly
Club: Ebbw Vale
Position: Flanker
Education: New Tredegar Primary, Rhymney Comprehensive
First club: New Tredegar juniors and youth, first senior rugby at Tredegar before signing at Ebbw Vale
Occupation: Bricklayer
Inspiration: My father Billy ‘Irish’ Kynes. My parents have always supported my sport from the age of five or six, they still come to every game now and have kept me on the straight and narrow
Most admired rugby player: Richie McCaw
Most admired sportsperson: David Beckham
It’s the last game of the regular season for Ebbw Vale and Aberavon at Eugene Cross Park on Sunday (5:15 ko), with both sides aiming for the third play-off place. A win for Ebbw will make them uncatchable, while the Wizards will be waiting on Saturday’s results to figure out where they’ll stand should they take the points on Sunday evening.
Ebbw’s team has a familiar look to it, with skipper Damien Hudd, whose red card at Bedwas was overturned this week, leading the side as ever.
Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Jared Rosser; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Mathew Williams, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Cameron Regan. Subs: Joe Franchi, Ian George, Robert Sevenoaks, Luke Crocker, Ethan Doyle, Tom Edwards, Jordan Howells, Iain Smerdon.
There’s no complicated calculation involved as far as Ebbw’s chances of a play off place are concerned: a win over Aberavon on Sunday will guarantee a semi-final tie with either Pontypridd or Llandovery – and we’ll know which one by Saturday evening.
Tuesday’s results went favourably for Ebbw, the key one being Aberavon’s win over Cross Keys which means that, even though two bonus point wins for Keys would see them finish level on points with Ebbw (if the Steelmen beat the Wizards, but don’t gain a bonus point), they will have one less victory. So, all Ebbw need to do now is win on Sunday…
Damien Hudd’s red card, given late in the game at Bedwas on March 26th, has been overturned. Damien’s hearing took place at the WRU on Tuesday evening and the decision means that he is available for the Steelmen’s last league game of the season, at home to Aberavon on Sunday afternoon (5:15 ko).
The End of Season Club Dinner and Awards Evening has been confirmed as taking place at the Welfare on Friday, 20th May, commencing at 7pm.
Tickets cost £20 per person which will include a 3-Course Meal. Tables can be booked for groups of 10/12 people, while individual seats can also be booked.
To book seats/tables at the evening, contact Andrew using the details below:
email: ebbwaddicts@mail.com
Phone: 07766490358
Ebbw Vale’s team to play Llandovery in the Swalec Cup quarter final at Eugene Cross Park this Saturday afternoon, kicking off at 2:30, is as follows:
Chris Levesley, Ryan Gardner, Nathan Preece, Iain Smerdon, David Williams; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Mathew Williams, Rob Sevenoaks; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Cameron Regan.
Bench: Joe Franchi, Ian George, Gethin Robinson, Luke Crocker, Ethan Doyle, Tom Edwards, Jordan Howells, Jarod Rosser.
Please note this is an all pay game except for Vice presidents:
Vice Presidents – Free
Season ticket holders – Adults £7 Concessions £4
Others – Adults £10 Concessions £7
Please be aware that the discounted prices for season ticket holders will only be available through the special turnstile on the left side of the main gate. This will be clearerly marked.
There are 9 changes to Saturday’s starting line up for Ebbw’s visit to Pandy Park this evening (April 5th, 7:15pm).
The team is: Dan Haymond, Ryan Gardner, Jordan Howells, Adam Jones, David Williams; Iain Smerdon, Tom Edwards; Ian George, Mathew Williams, Rob Sevenoaks; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Harrison Keddie.
Sybs: Joe Franchi, Ross Jones, Gethin Robinson, Joe Bartlett, Ethan Doyle, Cameron Regan, Chris Thomas, Nathan Preece.
Nigel Davies has announced the Ebbw Vale team to play Carmarthen Quins, away, this Saturday afternoon.
15 Daniel Haymond, 14 David Williams, 13 Nathan Preece, 12 Adam Jones, 11 Chris Levesley; 10 David Langdon, 9 Chris Thomas; 1 Ross Jones, 2 Joe Franchi, 3 Gethin Robinson; 4 Damien Hudd (captain), 5 Ashley Sweet; 6 Rhys Clarke, 7 Cameron Regan, 8 Luke Crocker.
Subs: 16 Mathew Williams, 17 Ian George, 18 Lloyd Bridges, 19 Ronny Kynes, 20 Harrison Keddie, 21 Tom Edwards, 22 Iain Smerdon, 23 Ryan Gardner.
There’s a familiar look to the Ebbw team to take on Bedwas at the Bridge Field tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, kicking off at 2:30 pm.
Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Chris Levesley; Iain Smerdon, Chris Thomas; Ian George, Mathew Williams, Rob Sevenoaks; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Cameron Regan.
Subs: Joe Franchi, Ross Jones, Gethin Robinson, Luke Crocker, Ethan Doyle, Tom Edwards, Dai Langdon, Jordan Howells.
There was a well attended Question and Answer session at the Welfare Club on Tuesday evening, with Head Coach Nigel Davies and Chairman Jonathan Jones answering supporters questions on a whole array of EVRFC-related matters. Here are some selected highlights that have been edited to maintain confidentiality where appropriate:
Q. Nigel, do you plan to stay for a few more seasons?
ND: I plan to stay as long as possible, it’s local for me as I live in Usk. JJ: He’s had other offers but has chosen to stay with us.
Q: You have been doing a lot more TV and radio lately, is that another route of your career to go alongside the coaching or instead of the coaching?
ND: I certainly enjoy it but can’t make a living out of it! But it’s something I enjoy. I’ve done very little this season, actually, but did contribute to the World Cup and the under 20’s games.
Q: Are you Looking for sponsors for next year?
JJ: Sponsorship is very difficult in this part of the world, and we rely on brilliant local sponsors who have been with us for years. Of course we always need more and, as Nigel says, with decreasing funding available we have to keep looking. The market drives what we do. Ideas are always needed such as match ball sponsors, and the gate money is also important. Small chunks work well.
Q: Can you and the players start coming into the bar after the games?
ND: Yes we are mindful that this should happen and it has slipped away this season. Players do want to do it as so many of them are local too. Martin (Cooke) came on board to support the club, in management and organising the team, chasing them regarding training and ensuring they’re mindful of their commitments.
Q: What can the Addicts do for you to help, what do you expect from us?
ND: It’s great the players know that there’s a core of supporters behind them and they definitely perform as a result of that. The players have a responsibility to them, their families and supporters, and they understand that culture, being local.
Q: Could we publish more information on line about players injuries and recovery?
ND: We can facilitate some information on injuries where appropriate. However we don’t want the opposing teams to know who’s injured.
Q: Will pre season training still be local?
ND: Pre-season will be predominantly local. There will be different work on skills like conditioning which is most important. However, we do want to mix it up a little such as working on the beach as they are good for grappling and contact.
Q: If Sam (Nigel’s son) isn’t playing for the Ospreys can we have him?
ND: Yes we asked but no we can’t…
Q: Do you agree that the new website is too complicated?
JJ: We’re not going backwards. It more modern, with more pictures and I think this is easier to maintain and use.
Q: Nigel, you talk about there being so many phases in the game. What is meant by this?
ND: Statistically if you work six phases you’re more likely to get the penalty. We have created a lot of opportunities from this. Our mantra is always “Sets of six”.
Q: Can we make these Q&A sessions a regular thing?
JJ: Yes absolutely fine with this, if we do it quarterly we’ll stop the void of non-factual information circulating.
The postponed match between Ebbw Vale and Crosskeys will take place on Tuesday, April 5th, kicking off at 7:15pm.
Ebbw’s final home game of the regular league season will now be played on Sunday, April 24th, kicking off at 5:15pm. This is because S4C have picked up their option to show a Premiership game live and have chosen our fixture with Aberavon as the plum tie of the weekend.
Ebbw Vale will play Llandovery at home in the quarter final of the Swalec Cup on Saturday, April 9th, kicking off at 2:30pm.
Head Coach Nigel Davies will hold a Question and Answer session on the evening of March 22nd, starting at 8 pm in the club. Come along and ask Nigel about his thoughts on the season so far and his plans for the games ahead and next season. http://casinopelit.vuodatus.net/lue/2016/08/parhaat-kasino-bonukset
Head Coach Nigel Davies makes just two changes to the starting line up for Saturday afternoon’s home match with league leaders and reigning champions, Pontypridd (kicking off at 1:30). Cameron Regan and Mathew Williams start for Ebbw, in for Rhys Clarke and Joe Franchi respectively.
The team is: Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Chris Levesley; Iain Smerdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Mathew Williams, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Cameron Regan, Ronny Kynes, Luke Crocker. Subs: Joe Franchi, Ian George, Rob Sevenoaks, Joe Bartlett, Ethan Doyle, Dai Jones, Dai Langdon, Jordan Howells.
We have received this letter from Ryan Jones, who is the newly-appoainted Head of Rugby Participation at the WRU.
“Following on from the letter in October regarding the nationwide participant survey, we are pleased to announce that the survey is now live. The link to complete the survey is:
www.wru.wales/shapeourgame
The survey is a chance for everyone in Wales to have their say and help shape the game for the future. The survey will help generate insight and understanding into player’s (both active and lapsed) motivations and behaviours for getting involved in rugby. The survey has a specific focus on youth and adult male participation.
The insight generated will help shape a set of proposals aimed at addressing the player retention issues we are experiencing in the game.
I thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.”
The Ebbw Vale team to play Llanelli tomorrow (March 5th) at Eugene Cross Park is as follows:
Dan Haymond; David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Chris Levesley; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Joe Franchi, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Luke Crocker. Subs: Mathew Williams, Ian George, Rob Sevenoaks, Cameron Regan, Ethan Doyle, Dai Jones, Iain Smerdon, Jordan Howells.
The match kicks off at 2:30pm.
Tonight’s (02/03/16) minis and juniors match up between RTB Steelers and Risca has fallen victim to the weather and will be re-scheduled for later this month.
Ebbw Vale visit Newcastle Emlyn tomorrow afternoon (February 27th), for the re-arranged Swalec Cup match.
The team is:
Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Chris Levesley; Iaian Smerdon, Dai Jones; Ross Jones, Joe Franchi, Rob Sevenoaks; Joe Bartlett, Ashley Sweet (capt); Luke Crocker, Cameron Regan, Ethan Doyle.
Subs: Mathew Williams, Ian George, Lloyd Bridges, Damien Hudd, Ronny Kynes, Chris Thomas, Dai Langdon, Jordan Howells.
The weather claimed another victim on Saturday when Cross Keys were forced into a late postponemnt of their game with the Steelmen. The Pandy Park pitch was unplayable and the decision to call it off was announced at 1:30.
For the record, the Ebbw team was: Dan Haymond, Chris Levesley, Iain Smerdon, Nathan Preece, David Williams; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Joe Franchi, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Luke Crocker. Subs: Jonny Bowen, Ian George, Robert Sevenoaks, Joe Bartlett, Cameron Regan, Ethan Doyle, Dai Jones, Jordan Howells.
We are very grateful to Nantyglo RFC and Newbridge RFC for allowing permits for Dai Jones and Jonny Bowen. Kasino Netissä :: kasinopelitfi – Netticasino
Our postponed cup match at Newcastle Emlyn has been rearranged for Saturday, February 27th. This is the scheduled Quarter Final weekend so the winner will need to rearrange their Quarter Final match.
Our league game at Cross Keys on 20th February will go ahead as planned.
The team to play Newport at Rodney Parade this evening (Tuesday) is as follows
Dan Haymond (Captain), Craig Duncan, Srdan Majkic, Jordan Howells, Rhys Howells; Simon Veall, Dai Jones; Ian George, Joe Franchi, Lloyd Bridges; Joe Bartlett, Daniel Horler; Cameron Regan, Ben Papp, Michael Jones. Bench: Nicky Thomas, Lewis Morham, Stefan Blackmore, Harrison Fry, Craig Powell, Blain Meek, James Hall, Kier Hughes.
Many thanks to all the clubs who have granted permits for this game. it is much appreciated. onlinecasinohex.linkgoed.nl Casino-gokken – Online Casino Spellen
This article, written by Roy ‘REL’ Lewis, appeared in the match day magazine for Ebbw’s home match with Llandovery on January 30th, 2016.
GRAHAM POWELL – OUR FIRST INTERNATIONAL
In March 1957 Ebbw Vale celebrated when the Welsh selectors announced the team to play Ireland at the Arms Park. We had lost to England and Scotland and changes were called for, one of them was centre Graham Powell who had shown outstanding form in a successful Ebbw Vale side. He was our first capped player and one of our greatest centres.
Former player and Chairman of the club Allan Foster was among many saddened at the news of Graham’s death at the age of 83 but has many happy memories of him. “Graham Powell lived opposite me in Duffryn Road, Waunlwyd and was my boyhood hero. He went to Ebbw Vale Grammar School and Bristol University and went on to work in the petrol industry with Shell where he made quite a name for himself before moving to Total Oil where he became the top man in the UK.
“I remember he came to our Centenary Dinner in March 1980 and arrived in a chauffer driven car! He stayed in the Manor Hotel, Crickhowell where the Dinner was held. He told me how much he enjoyed such a memorable evening.
“Graham first played alongside Peter Clubb in the centre and when Peter went to Wigan he then formed a strong partnership with Dai Barrett from Blaina. His shoulder was first dislocated by a tackle in an Ebbw Vale game at Pontypool and he continued to have shoulder trouble after that. He would certainly have played more games for Wales had it not been for his shoulder and he retired fairly early at about 28 years of age. He was a charming man who was part of a great Ebbw Vale team in the Fifties.”
Graham Powell was a local man, born in Waunlwyd, educated in Ebbw Vale, played his first senior game for Cwm and finally was capped by Wales. Apart from his rugby feats, fellow pupils in the Grammar School remember his all-round athleticism, his academic qualities and perhaps above all his personality and as Allan Foster has said, his charm.
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An interesting look back at Graham’s time at Ebbw Vale County School, written by Eric Smith, can be accessed on the Ebbw Vale County Grammar School website, here.
Table toppers Llandovery visit Eugene Cross Park this Saturday afternoon (2:30) and Ebbw know this is a very significant one for their hopes of making the play-offs. Just 7 points separate the top 6, and Ebbw are currently 3 points off a top 3 spot, but will be wary of a Drovers side that put 50 unanswered points on them at Church Bank eary this season.
The Ebbw line up is:
15 Daniel Haymond, 14 David Williams, 13 Nathan Preece, 12 Iain Smerdon, 11 Jared Rosser; 10 David Langdon, 9 Christopher Thomas; 1 Ross Jones, 2 Mathew Williams, 3 Gethin Robinson; 4 Damien Hudd (Captain), 5 Ashley Sweet; 6 Rhys Clarke, 7 Ronny Kynes, 8 Ethan Doyle. Bench: 16 Joseph Franchi, 17 Robert Sevenoaks, 18 Ian George, 19 Joseph Bartlett, 20 Cameron Regan, 21 David Jones, 22 Jordan Howells,
23 Christopher Levesley.
The British and Irish Cup comes to Eugene Cross Park this Saturday, January 23rd, when a “Gwent Premiership Select XV” play Connacht Eagles, kicking off at 2 pm. This is an ‘all-pay’ game, and admission prices are £10 for adults, £5 concessions and under 16s go free.
The team is: Llywarch Ap Myrddin (Newport RFC), George Gasson, Connor Edwards (Dragons Academy/ Bedwas), Ross Wardle (Dragons), Aled Brew (Dragons), Josh Prosser (Cross Keys), Owen Davies (Dragons/ Newport RFC); Hugh Gustafson © (Dragons), Rhys Buckley (Dragons), Lloyd Fairbrother (Dragons), Scott Andrews (Dragons/ Cross Keys), Adam Brown (Newport RFC), Scott Matthews (Cross Keys), James Benjamin (Dragons), Harri Keddie (Dragons/ Ebbw Vale).
Replacements: Luke Garrett (Dragons/ Cross Keys), Leon Brown (Dragons Academy/ Cross Keys), Josh Skinner (Dragons Academy/ Cross Keys), Andrew Waite (Bedwas), Owain Leonard (Dragons Academy/ Cross Keys), Barney Nightingale (Dragons/ Newport RFC), Aaron Warren (Dragons).
Due to adverse weather, and having already had to postpone the game away at Newport, the Challenge Cup game this evening, Wednesday, 20th January, will now be played at the all weather facility at Ystrad Mynach, kicking off at 8pm. Entry is free for season ticket holders and £8/£5 for adults and concessions.
Be aware there is no catering at the Ystrad Mynach facility but there are a couple of pubs in the immediate vicinity. Below the address of the Centre of Sporting Excellence :-
Caerphilly Road,
Ystrad Mynach,
Caerphilly
CF82 7EP
The team is Chris Levesley, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Iain Smerdon, Jared Rosser; Simon Veall, Tom Edwards; Ian George (capt), Joe Franchi, Robert Sevenoaks; Rhys Clarke, Daniel Horler; Cameron Regan, Dawid Rubasniak, Ethan Doyle.
Bench: Mathew Williams, Ross Jones, Gethin Robinson, Damien Hudd, Ronny Kynes, Dai Jones, Dai Langdon, Daniel Haymond.
Many thanks to Newport Gwent Dragons, Abergavenny RFC, Oakdale RFC and Nantyglo RFC for their support in permiting players to us for this fixture.