The Steelmen came up short in the SRC Grand Final, in a game that was played in front of a big crowd and the S4C cameras. The game was to see flanker Cameron Regan make his final appearance before retiring from the game.

The hosts came out of the blocks fast. However, good defence by the Black and Ambers kept the home side out.

The first points of the game came to the Steelmen. After being awarded a penalty, the clubs top point scorer Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the penalty.

The visitors were soon to strike back. After referee Ben Breakspear awarded the away side a penalty, Newport fly half Jac Lloyd levelled the scores from the tee.

A decisive moment in the game came when influential Ebbw Vale captain Joe Franchi had to be replaced by Ieuan Morris due to injury.

Moments later the away side took the lead. After good play, which saw Newport being stopped just by the try line, scrum half Dafydd Buckland picked the ball up from the ruck and dived over for the games first try. Outside half Jac Lloyd added the extras.

Ebbw Vale reduced the deficit when number ten Lloyd successfully sent a penalty through the centre of the posts to make it a four-point game.

With the last play of the first half the Black and Ambers struck again. After receiving a kick inside their own half, the Newport backs made an excellent break into the Ebbw twenty-two. With the forwards going through the phases, the ball made its way out to fly half Jac Lloyd, who saw a gap in the home defence, put in a sidestep and went over unopposed. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 6 Newport RFC 17

With both teams starting the second half with intent, the hosts struck first. A tremendous break from the home sides twenty-two by Ebbw`s Ryan Jenkins, saw the young number eight make inroads in the Black and Ambers twenty-two. However, the play came to nothing after a knock on from a further phase of play.

From the resulting scrum, a huge effort by the hosts pack, saw the Steelmen push Newport off the ball. With the forwards going through phase after phase and under the visitor’s posts, scrum half Gruff Tough saw winger Bowden out wide in space. Gruff put in a clever kick for Bowden to take the ball in the air and score the home sides first try out wide. Evan Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.

However, the away side struck straight back. Receiving the ball in their own half, fullback Carwyn Penny took the ball and put in a kick over the defence. With scrum half Tough the last man in defence, a wicked bounce of the ball saw Penny collect the ball and stretch his legs to go over the try line out wide. Outside half Lloyd sent the ball through the centre of the posts.

The home sides first change of the afternoon came when coach Jason Strange replaced flanker Jack Pope with the retiring Cameron Regan.

The Steelmen reduced the deficit again. After Newport played in their own twenty-two, Ebbw turned over the ball just outside the try line. Second row Curtis Gregory picked up the ball and dived over the line. Fly half Evan Lloyd added the two points.

Further replacements by Ebbw Vale saw props Luke Garrett and Adam Williams come off and be replaced by Morgan Williams and Adam Court.

The final points of the game came when Newport were awarded a penalty by referee Breakspear. Jac Lloyd added the three points to stretch their lead to two scores.

Changes to the hosts side saw scrum half Rory Harries, centre Cameron Davies, full back Matt Jones and number eight Lewis Young enter the field to replace Gruff Tough, Dom Franchi, Morgan Richards and Ryan Jenkins.

However, despite a yellow card being shown to Newport second row Josh Skinner late on, the Steelmen were unable to take advantage and add any further scores. The game ended with Newport inflicting Ebbw’s first home defeat of the season.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 18 Newport RFC 27

Tries: Ewan Bowden (1), Curtis Gregory (1)

Conversion: Evan Lloyd (1)

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)

10/05/25

Ebbw reach the final

Ebbw Vale RFC 29 Llandovery RFC 28

Jason Strange’s team made a dramatic comeback in the second half to secure their place in the SRC final, after the semi final was played in glorious sunshine, in front of the S4C Camera’s at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.

Llandovery got off to a fast start. The away sides first try was scored by centre Rhodri Jones, after a clever chip over the defence by the away side.

This was soon followed up by good back play by the Drovers ended with scrum half and captain Lee Rees going over the try line. Both tries had been converted by outside half Ioan Hughes.

Within minutes the Steelmen were reduced to fourteen men, when referee Ben Whitehouse adjudged the home side winger Ieuan Evans to have deliberately knocked the ball on.

After being back to fifteen men, the home side were again reduced to fourteen, when referee Whitehouse had thought flanker Jack Pope to have illegally used his boot in a phase of play.

Whilst still at reduced numbers the hosts hit back. From attacking play by the Drovers just outside the Ebbw twenty-two, an interception by Ebbw’s Evan Lloyd saw the number ten stretch his legs. Having made metres well into the Llandovery half and with the defenders covering across, Lloyd past to supporting winger Ryan Gardner, who showed his pace to go over the line unopposed. Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.

With the first half ending, a fine bit of play by the visitors full back Jac Davies saw the young full back score an excellent solo try. Hughes again converted giving his team a sixteen-point lead at the interval.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 5 Llandovery RFC 21

Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange made his first substitution of the game during the interval with winger Ewan Bowden coming on for Ieuan Evans.

The away side were soon to be reduced to fourteen men when scrum half Lee Rees was sent to the sin bin by referee Whitehouse due to ill-discipline.

Ebbw Vale soon took advantage of the reduced numbers. With the forwards going through the phases, a nice show and go by Gruff Tough saw the young number nine beat a man, draw the last line of defence and pass to home full back Morgan Richards, who used his strength to fend off a tackle and dive over the line. Lloyd added the extras to reduce the deficit to nine points.

Further changes by the Steelmen saw flanker Jack Pope be replaced by Cameron Regan. Moments later Ieuan Morris and Adam Court replaced hooker Joe Franchi and prop Adam Williams and later Cameron Davies come on for Dom Franchi.

With Ebbw Vale on top in the second half, top points scorer Lloyd reduced the deficit to six points before prop Luke Garrett left the field to be replaced by Morgan Williams.

The visitors were given the opportunity to increase their lead further, however, fly half Hughes was unsuccessful with the penalty from far out.

Another change by coach Strange saw scrum half Gruff Tough leave the field for Rory Harries.

The hosts were about to go in front for the first time during the game. From a scrum inside the Vale half, scrum half Harries got quick ball out to centre Ethan Phillips in the centre of the field. Phillips picked his head up and put a clever chip over the Llandovery defence. With two defenders covering, Phillips sped through, got a boot to the ball before a Llandovery player, and Phillips collected the ball on the bounce and dived over for an excellent individual try. Lloyd added the two points.

With the game going into the final ten minutes the hosts scored the decisive try. After being awarded a penalty in the away sides twenty-two, Lloyd put the ball into the corner. From the lineout, the Ebbw forwards set up a driving maul, which ended with replacement hooker Ieuan Morris powering over the line. Lloyd again kicked the conversion to give the hosts an eight-point lead.

With time running out Ebbw Vale were to see out the remaining minutes with fourteen men when winger Ryan Gardner was shown a yellow card by referee Whitehouse.

The final score of an excellent game, where both teams contributed so much, was scored by Llandovery. Playing from their own twenty-two, the Drovers backs put width on the ball for speedster Harri Doel to run the length of the pitch to score under the posts. Replacement Jack Maynard kicked the conversion to bring the game to a close.

Fulltime: Ebbw Vale RFC 29 Llandovery RFC 28

Try scorers: Ryan Gardner (1), Morgan Richards (1), Ethan Phillips (1), Ieuan Morris (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3)

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (1)

19/04/25

Steelmen take second place

Ebbw Vale RFC 21 Swansea RFC 17

Ebbw Vale won their final home game of the league season, before taking a well-earned rest and play the quarter final at home in a fortnight.

The first try of the game came in familiar fashion. Having been awarded a penalty inside the Swansea half, outside half for the afternoon Ethan Phillips sent the ball into the corner to set up a lineout to the home side. Having won the lineout, hooker Joe Franchi finished off the rolling maul by powering over the line. Winger Ewan Bowden sent the ball through the centre of the posts.

The visitors quickly struck back. Full back Harri Houston took advantage of an error by the home side to show his pace and go over the line unopposed. Fly half Tal Rees successfully added the extras to level the game.

Good defence by the All Whites stopped the home side from scoring a second try from a rolling maul at the lineout.

The second try to the home side was soon to follow. Another penalty by Phillips was sent to the corner. After setting up another rolling maul, hooker Franchi saw a gap in the Swansea defence and used his strength to break away and power over the line to score his second try of the game. Kicker Bowden added the extras.

With the half ending, the away side scored their second try of the game. After winning a lineout in the Ebbw half, a good move by the Swansea backs was finished off with winger Ieuan Cornelius. Number ten Rees sent the ball wide of the posts with his conversion attempt.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 14 Swansea RFC 12

Steelmen coach Jason Strange made a change during the break. The sides top try scorer and captain Joe Franchi was replaced by Ieuan Morris. Moments later further changes by the home side saw scrum half Dan Buffery and prop Morgan Davies be replaced by Rory Harries and Luke Garrett.

With the All Whites spending time in the hosts half, they were unable to convert their possession into points when good defence by the Steelmen kept them out.

The away side were reduced to fourteen men. A powerful run by Ebbw’s number eight Ryan Jenkins was deemed to be stopped by a professional foul by the visitors’ prop Ed Thompson.

With the numerical advantage, Steelmen fly half Phillips chipped to the corner to set up the lineout. Having won the lineout, the home side’s forwards set up another rolling maul which ended with replacement hooker Ieuan Morris powering over the line. Bowden again added the two points to put Ebbw more than one score ahead.

Changes to the Ebbw Vale pack saw prop Adam Court and back rower Owen Conquer come on for Adam Williams and Cameron Regan.

Having given away penalties in their twenty-two, another penalty awarded to the away side saw Steelmen’s flanker Sion Parry be sent to the sin bin for ten minutes. However, despite the visitors’ best efforts, the home sides magnificent defence kept them out.

Further changes to the home side saw full back Morgan Richards replace Matt Jones and second row Ewan McIntyre be replaced by Gethin Williams. Another change saw flanker Sion Parry come off for Lewis Young.

With both sides trying their best to score, the final try of the game was scored by the All Whites with the last play. Having gone through phases of play, a cross the field kick saw the ball fall into the hands of full back Houston. With a neat finish, the full back went over the line out wide. The resulting conversion hit the post to bring the game to a close.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 21 Swansea RFC 17

Try scorers: Joe Franchi (2), Ieuan Morris (1)

Conversions: Ewan Bowden (3)

13/04/25

Newport win Gwent derby

Newport RFC 40 Ebbw Vale RFC 14

The Black and Ambers put together a dominant first thirty minutes and last ten to claim six points from the game, to close the gap between second and third in the table.

The first try of the afternoon was scored by the home side inside the first ten minutes. With the forwards going through phase after phase in the Steelmen’s twenty-two, Ben Roach used his strength to power over the try line. Fly half Jac Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

From an overthrow at a lineout on the visitors twenty-two, a long pass by the home sides scrum half Che Hope put Roach in space. With a lot to do the number eight put his foot down to beat the covering defence to score his second try of the game. Lloyd again added the extras.

With the hosts being in total control, referee Craig Evans awarded a penalty try to Newport, when from a lineout inside the Ebbw twenty-two, a driving maul by the Black and Ambers forwards was judged to have been stopped illegally just short of the try line. As a result, Evans showed Ebbw Vale captain Joe Franchi a yellow card.

Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange was forced to make a temporary substitution. Hooker Ieuan Morris came on for Cameron Regan.

However, shortly afterwards, Newport was also reduced to fourteen men when hooker Tyler Olding was sent to spend ten minutes in the sin bin due to continues infringements in the hosts twenty-two.

The away side took immediate advantage. With a lineout from the resulting penalty, the away sides forwards set up a rolling maul. Replacement hooker Ieuan Morris spotted space, darted out of the maul and used strength to dive over the line, despite the efforts of the covering tacklers. Ebbw Vale outside half Evan Lloyd sent the conversion through the centre of the posts.

Half Time: Newport RFC 21 Ebbw Vale RFC 7

The Steelmen came out for the second half clearly fired up. Newport was again reduced to fourteen men when second row Josh Skinner was shown the yellow card by referee Evans.

With the visitors seeing more of the ball, from a lineout in the Black and Ambers twenty-two, the Ebbw forwards set up a rolling maul. The hosts defence stopped it just before the line. However, captain Joe Franchi, picked up the ball, used his strength to fend off two tacklers and a quick bit of smart thinking saw the hooker see space and dive over the line for his sides second try of the game. Lloyd kicked the conversion to reduce the deficit to a one score game.

The away side made more substitutions. Prop Luke Garrett and flanker Jack Pope replaced Morgan Davies and Cameron Regan. Moments later prop Adam Williams was replaced by Adam Court.

With the game going into the last ten minutes and the scoreline close, the home struck to score their fourth try of the game. After going through phase after phase, Newport flanker George Young was the last player to touch the ball and score. Jac Lloyd added the extras.

Jason Strange made further changes when Kobi Rees, Lewis Young and Ieuan Morris came on for Sion Parry, Ryan Jenkins and Joe Franchi. Coach Strange was forced into another change moments later when second row Dylan Bartlett was forced off due to an injury. Morgan Richards came on for Bartlett.

After being awarded a penalty inside the Ebbw twenty-two, the Black and Ambers kicked to the corner. From the lineout the home sides forwards built up a quick head of steam and barged over the line for second row Barney Langton-Cryer to score. Jac Lloyd again sent the ball through the posts to add the extras.

The final try of the game was scored in the eightieth minute. After a loose ball was collected inside the hosts half, a breakthrough the centre of the Ebbw defence by the home side saw supporting players on each other shoulders to receive the ball. The final pass saw number eight Ben Roach receive the ball to score a well taken try and score his third of the game. Jac Lloyd kept up his one hundred percent record from the boot by slotting over the conversion.

The final change of the game for Ebbw Vale saw scrum half Rory Harries be replaced by Dan Buffery.

Full Time: Newport RFC 40 Ebbw Vale RFC 14

Try scorers: Ieuan Morris (1), Joe Franchi (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (2)

05/04/25

Ebbw claim another six pointer

Ebbw Vale RFC 40 Carmarthen Quins RFC 20

A second half hat trick of tries by captain Joe Franchi saw Ebbw Vale claim six points from a game that was still in the balance after 60 minutes.

The Steelmen came out of the blocks slowly against a determined Carmarthen side.

The away side were the first team to put points on the board when Quins outside half Elis Price sent a penalty through the middle of the posts.

After being awarded a penalty around the halfway line, the hosts number ten Evan Lloyd sent the ball into the Quins twenty-two for a lineout to the home side. From the lineout the referee awarded a further penalty which Lloyd again sent to the corner. From the lineout, the home side scored their first try of the afternoon, when from a rolling maul hooker Ieuan Morris crashed over the line to score. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

Ebbw Vale were forced into a first half change when full back Matt Jones was replaced by debutant Gethin O’Callaghan due to injury.

The visitors soon reduced the deficit to one point, when Quins flyhalf Price was successful with another penalty.

With the game approaching half time, Carmarthen retook the lead. Hooker Lewis Morgan scored from close range. Price successfully added the two points.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 7 Carmarthen Quins RFC 13

During the halftime interval Ebbw coach Jason Strange replaced the front row of Luke Garrett, Ieuan Morris and Adam Court with Morgan Davies, Joe Franchi and Adam Williams, as well as Sion Parry entering the field at seven, at the expense of Kobi Rees.

The Steelmen were reduced to fourteen men when second row Dylan Bartlett was shown a yellow card for an altercation in the lineout.

Further changes to the home side saw the experienced Cameran Regan and Lewis Young come onto the field for Jack Pope and Owen Conquer.

The first points of the second half came when from a lineout inside the away side’s twenty-two, the Ebbw pack set up a driving maul which resulted in hooker Joe Franchi scoring his first try of the game. Lloyd was successful with the conversion to put the hosts a point into the lead.

The Quins soon hit back. After loose play in the middle of the pitch, a kick through saw the visitors centre Jac Howels collect the ball unopposed and score under the posts. Replacement flyhalf Aled Thomas added the extras.

With the Ebbw Vale replacements making an impact, the referee awarded a penalty to the home side. Lloyd kicked to the corner. From the resulting lineout, the forwards set up another rolling maul, which again saw hooker Franchi power his way over the line. Number ten Lloyd added the two points to put Ebbw back in front by a point.

With the hosts scrum starting to win penalties, flyhalf Lloyd sent another penalty to the corner. From the lineout, the forwards further showed their strength by setting up another rolling maul, which finished with Joe Franchi scoring his third try of the game. On this occasion, Lloyd was unable to add the extras.

Not looking to let up, the Steelmen forwards had the grit between their teeth and kept taking it to the visitors. After going through phase after phase inside the Carmarthen twenty-two, second row Curtis Gregory was on hand to touch down. Lloyd sent the conversion through the posts to give Ebbw a thirteen-point lead.

The visitors were reduced to fourteen men for the remainder of the game when the referee sent a player to the sin bin for ill discipline during the hosts try.

Ebbw coach Strange made his teams final change of the afternoon by replacing scrum half Rory Harries with Dan Buffrey.

With the game entering the eightieth minute and a man advantage, the Steelmen were looking to score a final try. With the forwards putting the pressure on the away sides defence, quick ball to centre Cameron Davies, saw the young centre spot space in the Quins defence. At pace, Davies run an excellent line to score the games final try. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion to bring the game to a close.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 40 Carmarthen Quins RFC 20

Tries: Ieuan Morris (1), Joe Franchi (3), Curtis Gregory (1), Cameron Davies (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (5)

27/03/25

Steelmen score big

Ebbw Vale RFC 48 Bridgend Ravens 17

Ebbw Vale ran in eight tries against Bridgend Ravens on Thursday night, in a game played in front of the S4C Clic camera’s.

The home side were quick out of the blocks. Within a minute, referee Craig Evans awarded a penalty to the hosts inside the Bridgend twenty. Outside half Evan Lloyd kicked the penalty to the corner. From the resulting lineout, the Ebbw forwards set up a rolling maul, which ended with number eight Ryan Jenkins powering over the line to score the games first try. Fly half Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Moments later. A smart 50:22 kick by the hosts number ten Lloyd, gave Ebbw a lineout in the Ravens twenty-two.

From the lineout, the hosts forwards and backs made inroads into the visitor’s defence. Quick ball out of the ruck to Lloyd, saw the number ten take the tackle and pass out to winger Ryan Gardner, to score in the corner. Lloyd was unable to add the extras.

With the away side having some ball, from a scrum in the Steelmen’s twenty-two, Bridgend were awarded a penalty. After a kick to the corner, the visitors were awarded a further penalty from the lineout. Referee Evans showed second row Curtis Gregory the yellow card for early contact at the lineout.

The away side scored their first try of the game when from the lineout, hooker Corey Lewis barged over the line. The visitors fly half Paul Short sent the conversion through the posts.

Within minutes Ebbw Vale scored their third try of the game. Good play by the backs saw scrum half Rory Harries chip the ball through in the Ravens twenty-two and outsprint the covering defence to score. Lloyd missed the conversion.

Referee Evans awarded the Ravens a penalty just outside the hosts twenty-two. Fly half Short kicked the penalty to reduce the deficit to five points.

Around the half hour mark, referee Evans awarded Bridgend prop Harry Olding a yellow card for not wrapping his arms at a tackle.

With the visitors reduced to fourteen men, a lovely kick down the line by Ebbw winger Ryan Gardner, saw the last line of the Bridgend defence have no option but to take the ball into touch. From the resulting lineout, referee Evans awarded the Steelmen a penalty try when the away side’s hooker Corey Lewis collapsed the rolling maul. Lewis was subsequently sent to the sin bin for ten minutes to reduce the away side to thirteen.

Being on the backfoot, the Ravens only stopped Ebbw from scoring a further try when the ball was knocked on, when at the line. From the scrum five metres out, an almighty push by the Vale pack, saw them win the ball against the head and power over the line for Ryan Jenkins to score his second try of the game. Fly half Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.

From the kick off, Ebbw Vale reclaimed the ball. A kicking contest was eventually ended when the Assistant referee judged a Bridgend kick to have gone out of play on the full. With play taken back into the Ravens half, a lineout to Ebbw saw the ball won and make its way out to centre Harry Wilson on his debut. Making a half break and passing the ball to flanker Kobi Ress in the tackle, Rees showed his strength and speed from outside the twenty-two to fend off tackles and charge over the line. Outside half Lloyd added the two points.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 34 Bridgend Ravens RFC 10

With the game twelve minutes into the second half and the score not changed Ebbw coach Jason Strange replaced the front row of Luke Garrett, Ieuan Morris, Adam Williams and Cameron Regan with Morgan Williams, Joe Franchi, Adam Court and Jack Pope.

After a long kick put into the shadows of the Bridgend post, the away side tried to play out from their goal line. A tackle by the hosts fly half Lloyd saw the Steelmen regain the ball. On the try line, hooker Joe Franchi, assisted by prop Adam Court powered their way over the line for the captain to touch down. Lloyd kicked the conversion.

Early contact at a scrum in the home sides half by the Steelmen saw referee Evans award the Ravens a free kick. From the resulting free kick, the visitors went through the phases. The ball eventually went out to winger Cameron Ellis to put a cross field kick in to be collected and scored by replacement scrum half Callaghan Smith. The conversion was kicked by Smith.

The hour mark saw Ebbw coach Strange replace centre Harry Wilson with the returning Ethan Phillips, Jacob Hopkins came on for Kobi Rees and Lewis Young replaced Ryan Jenkins.

With fifteen minutes left in the game, a scrum from a not straight Bridgend lineout, saw referee Evans award the home side a penalty. With Lloyd kicking to the corner, a lineout on the five-metre line, saw replacement Jacob Hopkins peel off the maul and beat the tackle to score the games final try of the evening. Lloyd kicked the conversion.

Ebbw Vale try scoring scrum half Rory Harries was replaced by Dan Buffrey.

With the game inside the last ten minutes, pushing and shoving off the ball ended with the assistant referee adjudging replacement centre Ethan Phillips to have thrown a punch. Referee Evans consulted his assistant and showed Phillips a red card to reduce Ebbw Vale to fourteen men for the remainder of the game.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 48 Bridgend Ravens RFC 17

Tries: Ryan Jenkins (2), Ryan Gardner (1), Rory Harries (1), Penalty try (1), Kobi Rees (1), Joe Franchi (1), Jacob Hopkins (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3)

20/03/25

Steelmen come unstuck

Llandovery RFC 39 Ebbw Vale RFC 7

Ebbw Vale visited Church Bank, Llandovery to play the SRC Cup final against the Drovers on Thursday evening in front of the S4C Clic camera’s. The game saw captain Joe Franchi make his 200th appearance for the club and brother Dom Franchi on his 150th.

The visitors were forced into a change within the first minute when inside centre Dom Franchi was forced to leave the field, with concussion. Replacement Ieuan Evans came onto the pitch in Franchi’s absence.

The first try of the final came when influential scrum half Lee Rees made a darting run from a knock down from a lineout inside the away side’s twenty-two, to score the try. Outside half Ioan Hughes added the extras.

The Steelmen were to hit back with what was to be their only try of the evening. From a lineout in the hosts twenty-two, the forwards set up a driving maul which resulted in hooker Joe Franchi crossing the line to score his teams try. Fly half Evan Lloyd kicked the conversion to bring the scores level.

Two penalties by the home sides number ten Hughes before half time extended the lead to six points at the interval.

Half time: Llandovery RFC 13 Ebbw Vale RFC 7

The second half started in the same fashion as the first half finished with the home side on the front foot and the Ebbw Vale players putting their bodies on the line by making tackle after tackle.

The pressure was soon to pay off when hooker Taylor Davies scored his sides second try of the game from a driving maul. Hughes sent the ball through the middle of the posts.

Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange replaced scrum half Rory Harries with the returning Jon Evans. Unfortunately for the experienced number nine, within minutes Evans had to be helped off the pitch due to an injury. This saw full back Matt Jones come onto the field and starting full back Morgan Richards fill in as emergency scrum half.

Moments later Ebbw were reduced to fourteen men when flanker Jack Pope was shown the yellow card by referee Matthew Leon to spend ten minutes in the sin bin.

The Drovers were to take advantage of their numerical advantage when winger Harri Doel scored in the corner. On this occasion Hughes was unsuccessful with the conversion from out wide.

Ebbw Vale replaced the front row of Luke Garrett, Joe Franchi and Adam Williams with Morgan Williams, Ieuan Morris and Adam Court, and within a few minute’s flanker Jack Pope was not to re-enter the field, and was replaced by Cameron Regan.

A good back’s move by Llandovery from their own half was finished with winger Kian Abraham putting in a chip over the defence. The winger used his speed to dive on the ball over the line. Hughes again kicked the conversion.

The final change of the game by Ebbw coach Strange saw Lewis Young come onto the field for Ryan Jenkins.

Two tries by Llandovery during the second half were ruled out by the referee. However, the home side were to extend their lead further by scoring another converted try.

Full Time: Llandovery RFC 39 Ebbw Vale RFC 7

Try scorer: Joe Franchi (1)

Conversion: Evan Lloyd (1)

15/03/25

Ebbw Reach The Final

Swansea RFC 19 Ebbw Vale RFC 33

The Steelmen were made to work hard to come away from St Helens with a bonus point victory and book their place in the final of the SRC Cup.

Swansea were quick out of the blocks. With the hosts backs receiving quick ball, centre Callum Dodd used his strength to break through the visitor’s defence out wide and score the first try of the afternoon. Home outside half Josh Phillips was unable to add the two points from out wide.

The away side soon hit back. A good line run by fullback Morgan Richards saw the number fifteen attack the line at pace from a good pass by Ebbw fly half Evan Lloyd. Splitting the defenders, Richards went over untouched to level the scores. Number ten Lloyd put the visitors ahead after kicking the conversion.

The visitors were reduced to fourteen men when referee Keith David sent captain Joe Franchi to the sin bin due to ill-discipline.

Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange was forced into an early change. Inform scrum half Gruff Tough was replaced by Rory Harries due to an injury, after making a tackle on a Swansea forward.

The scoreline was to sway back into the All White’s favour. After a good break by the Swansea backs, winger Harvey James used his strength to go over the line and put the home side back in front. Outside half Phillips successfully added the two points.

The away side were forced into another change when winger Hamish Anderson was replaced by Ned Bennett due to an injury.

With the hosts looking dangerous, a backs move was finished off by inside centre Joe Thomas to score the All White’s third try of the afternoon. Phillips again added the extra two points.

The away side started to spend a bit of time in the Swansea twenty-two and apply some pressure. From a lineout, the forwards set up a rolling maul, which was finished off with captain Joe Franchi diving over the line. Lloyd was unable to add the extras.

Half Time: Swansea RFC 19 Ebbw Vale RFC 12

The away side came out for the second half with the grit between their teeth. Captain Franchi was again the benefactor of a rolling maul from a lineout in the Swansea twenty-two. Lloyd added the two points to level the scores.

Ebbw Vale coach Strange rang the changes when prop Adam Williams, flanker Jack Pope and number eight Jacob Hopkins came on for Adam Court, Cameron Regan and Lewis Young. Moments later prop Luke Garrett left the field to be replaced by Morgan Williams.

Shortly afterwards the visitors were to retake the lead. From another rolling maul at a lineout inside the home side’s half, captain Franchi scored his third try of the afternoon. Lloyd again kicked the conversion.

The away side’s final change of the afternoon saw flanker Kobi Rees enter the field for Sion Parry.

Both sides were reduced to fourteen men when referee David sent Ebbw Vale second row Curtis Gregory and replacement Swansea forward Tom Crockett to the sin bin for ten minutes after an off the ball altercation.

The final try of the afternoon came from second row Dylan Bartlett. From another rolling maul at the lineout, the second row used his strength to fend off the opposition tacklers and reach out for the line. Lloyd sent the conversion through the middle of the uprights.

The steelmen won the game to book their place in their first cup final in 27 years.

Full Time: Swansea RFC 19 Ebbw Vale RFC 33

Try scorers: Morgan Richards (1), Joe Franchi (3), Dylan Bartlett (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (4)

01/03/25
Ebbw maintain 100% cup record

Ebbw Vale RFC 44 Newport RFC 21

The Steelmen claimed six points from the Gwent derby to move to the top of the SRC group Cup table after playing on a lovely sunny day.

Newport took the lead from an early penalty by fly half Jac Lloyd to put the visitors three points to the good.

However, the tone for the afternoon was about to be set. From a lineout in the Black and Ambers twenty-two, the home forwards set up a rolling maul, which resulted in prop Adam Court dotting down over the line. Club top points scorer Evan Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.

The second try of the afternoon quickly followed. With a lot to do and plenty of space in front of him, scrum half Gruff Tough used his pace to race past numerous defenders from his own half. A fantastic break saw Tough draw the last line of defence and pass to winger Ryan Gardner, who showed a clean pair of heels to go over the line out wide. Fly half Lloyd successfully sent the conversion through the middle of the posts to extend Ebbw’s lead to nine points.

With the hosts dominant, a high tackle by Newport hooker Henry Palmer and ill discipline by Ben Roach, saw the away side reduced to thirteen men for ten minutes.

The home side took advantage of their numerical forward advantage. Applying pressure to the line, referee Ben Whitehouse was left with no option but to run under the posts and award the Steelmen a penalty try.

The hosts soon scored their fourth try and claim the first bonus point. From a lineout, the Ebbw Vale forwards set up another rolling maul, which saw captain Joe Franchi score the fourth try of the afternoon. Lloyd was unable to add the extras.

The home side coach Jason Strange was forced into the first substitution of the afternoon after centre Ieuan Evans was replaced by Hamish Anderson due to injury. A reshuffle in the backline was winger Ryan Gardner move to outside centre.

A good backs move from Newport inside the Ebbw Vale half saw centre David Richards score the visitors first try of the afternoon. Outside half Jac Lloyd missed the following conversion.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 24 Newport RFC 8

The Black and Ambers came out for the second half with the grit between their teeth. Shortly after half time, a break of the Ebbw Vale defensive line saw scrum half Daffydd Buckland go over the line unopposed. Number ten Jac Lloyd added the two points to reduce the deficit to nine points.

With the away side having a good spell of possession and territory, referee Whitehouse awarded the away side a penalty. As a result, Ebbw Vale prop Morgan Davies was shown a yellow card.

From the resulting penalty, Newport fly half Jac Lloyd reduced the deficit further to six points.

However, Ebbw Vale increased their lead back to nine points after fly half Evan Lloyd sent a penalty through the middle of the sticks.

The hosts coach Strange then made a host of changes. The front row of Morgan Davies, Joe Franchi and Adam Court were replaced by Luke Garrett, Ieuan Morris and Adam Williams, Cameron Regan came on for flanker Jack Pope and number eight Ryan Jenkins was replaced by Lewis Young.

Soon after the changes, the Steelmen were reduced to fourteen men for the second time during the half. Referee Whitehouse sent flanker Regan to the sin bin for ten minutes.

Newport again made it a six-point game after outside half Jac Lloyd successfully kicked a penalty from inside the Ebbw half.

Once again the hosts struck back. After the forwards went through the phases, Canadian international flanker Sion Parry used his strength to go over and score his sides fifth try of the afternoon. Number ten Evan Lloyd added the two points.

The home side fly half Evan Lloyd extended Ebbw’s lead to sixteen points from a penalty inside the Black and Ambers half.

A further change by Steelmen coach Strange, saw Kobi Rees come on for flanker Sion Parry.

With Ebbw Vale playing a lot of the game in the Newport half, the final try of the afternoon came when Lewis Young use his strength to power over and score the home sides six try of the game. Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

The Steelmen’s final substitution of the afternoon, came when scrum half Gruff Tough was replaced by Dan Buffrey for the final few minutes.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 44 Newport RFC 21

20/02/25

Ebbw win televised derby

Ebbw Vale RFC 20 Newport RFC 5

The Steelmen claimed a bonus point victory over Newport in a game that was played in front of the S4C Clic cameras. The game saw Lewis Young make his 150th appearance for the club and Morgan Richards on his 50th.

The away side started the game on the front foot. However, despite being awarded two kickable penalties, the Black and Ambers declined the opportunities and kicked to touch. On both occasions they failed to trouble the scoreboard. With the Ebbw forwards getting on top, referee Keith David awarded the home side a penalty. Ebbw Vale flyhalf Evan Lloyd duly obliged and put his team three points ahead.

Moments later the hosts scored the first try of the game. From a lineout inside the Newport twenty two, the Steelmen forwards, joined by the backs set up a rolling maul. Dylan Bartlett was the final player to score the try. Number ten Lloyd added the extra two points.

After awarding Newport a penalty inside their own half, referee David showed Ebbw captain Joe Franchi a yellow card just before the half time interval.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 10 Newport RFC 0

The second half started the same way as the first finished with the home side on top. Countless reset scrums on the visitors five metre line finished with Ebbw being awarded another penalty. Lloyd successfully kicked the penalty.

Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange made his first few changes of the game with Morgan Davies and Adam Court replacing Adam Williams and Luke Garrett. Minutes later captain Joe Franchi was replaced by Ieuan Morris.

Moments later the hosts extended their lead further. A sublime out of the back of the hand pass by Evan Lloyd to Harry Rees-Weldon left the young winger with plenty to do. Slicing through the defence and stepping outside of the covering defender, Rees-Weldon touched down for Ebbw’s second try of the evening. Lloyd successfully added the extras to put the hosts twenty points to the good.

The final changes of the evening for Ebbw saw scrum half Rory Harries replace Gruff Tough, Lewis Young came off for Jacob Hopkins, Sion Parry was replaced by Kobi Rees and Jack Pope came off for Cameron Reagan.

With full time approaching, Newport were awarded a penalty inside the Steelmen’s half. After the forwards went through the phases, Garin Harris used his power to score Newport a solitary try of the game. Outside half Matt O’Brien was unable to convert the conversion.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 20 Newport RFC 5

Tries: Dylan Bartlett (1), Harry Rees-Weldon (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (2)

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)

15/02/25

Ebbw Win Away at Pontypool

Pontypool RFC 13 Ebbw Vale RFC 18

The Steelmen came away from Pontypool Park on Saturday with a hard fought win, in a game that was played in wet weather conditions.

The home side took the lead after ex Ebbw player Kieran Meek slotted a penalty through the centre of the posts to score the first points of the afternoon.

Despite the away side not making the most of their opportunities, the first try of the afternoon came to Ebbw. From a lineout inside the Pooler half, a darting run by scrum half Gruff Tough saw the young number nine show his pace and nimble feet to avoid being tackled and score the opening try of the game. Outside half Evan Lloyd duly kicked the conversion.

A further penalty by the hosts fly half Meek saw the home side go into the break only one point behind.

Half Time: Pontypool RFC 6 Ebbw Vale RFC 7

Shortly into the second half, the Steelmen struck again. From quick ball, some quick, smooth passing in midfield saw the ball make its way out to flanker Kobi Rees on the wing. With the line in front of him, the flanker used his strength to cross the line out wide for Ebbw Vale’s second try of the afternoon. Lloyd on this occasion was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Moments later some good footwork by the visitor’s scrumhalf Tough, saw the number nine control the ball excellently. With the line in front of him the scrum half was not able to keep hold of the ball, to extend the lead further.

Midway through the second half, Ebbw Vale made seven substitutions at once. Replacement forwards Luke Garrett, Joe Franchi, Adam Williams, Dylan Bartlett, Sion Parry and Jacob Hopkins came on for Morgan Williams, Ieuan Morris, Adam Court, Kobi Rees, Cameron Regan and Lewis Young in the pack. An injury to Cameron Davies saw the young inform centre be replaced by scrum half Rory Harries, in what saw an adjustment to the backline.

With the Pontypool pack going through some phases, the home side took the lead for the first time in the afternoon. Number eight Morgan Allen powered his way over the line to score Pooler’s only try of the afternoon. Meek successfully added the two points.

However, the away side were to take advantage of the hosts ill-discipline during the last ten minutes. Two penalties by Evan Lloyd saw the Steelmen get over the line and claim the victory.

Full Time: Pontypool RFC 13 Ebbw Vale RFC 18

Try scorers: Gruff Tough (1), Kobi Rees (1)

Conversion: Evan Lloyd (1)

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)

25/01/25
Ebbw win again
Ebbw Vale RFC 24 Carmarthen Quins RFC 7

Ebbw Vale eventually wore Carmarthen Quins down in the first round of the SRC cup, to claim six points in a game played in all different weather conditions.

The away side were quick out of the blocks, winning clean ball and piling on the pressure early on. However, they were unable to convert their early pressure into points, with flying half Osian Jones sending the ball wide of the posts.

With the Steelmen in possession of the ball on the half-way line, quick ball and a quick pass by number eight Lewis Young to number ten Evan Lloyd, saw the Ebbw outside half in space with an overlap. A lovely break by Lloyd, saw the fly half draw the covering defenders and throw an audacious out of the back of the hand pass to the supporting scrum half Gruff Tough. With no defenders in front of him Tough went over unopposed to score his first try for the club. Lloyd added the extra two points.

The only other points of the first half came through a Rhys Fawcett try for the Quins after a sustained amount of pressure. Replacement Elis Payne brought the score level at seven a piece.

On the stroke of half time a tackle into touch on Ebbw winger Ewan Bowden, saw the number fourteen be helped off at the interval.

Half-time: Ebbw Vale RFC 7 Carmarthen Quins RFC 7

The hosts were forced into a change at the beginning of the second half with winger Ryan Gardner replacing the unfortunate Bowden.

Further changes by stand in Ebbw Vale head coach Aaron Coundley saw props Morgan Davies and Adam Williams replace Adam Court and Luke Garrett. Number eight Lewis Young came off for Jacob Hopkins, second row Dylan Bartlett replaced Gethin Williams and Sion Parry came on for Ewan Mcintyre.

Carmarthen were reduced to fourteen men due to ill discipline when referee Matthew Leon showed Quins replacement Iestyn Wood a yellow card.

The hosts were to take advantage of the numerical advantage, when after applying pressure on the away sides line, saw replacement Jacob Hopkins use his strength to barge over the line out wide. Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion from out wide.

Ebbw Vale replaced scrum half Gruff Tough with Rory Harries midway through the half.

Further sustained pressure from the Steelmen forwards resulted in prop Morgan Davies picking up the ball from a ruck and powering over the line to score the home sides third try. Lloyd was unable to add the two points.

The final try of the game came in the closing moments. With the Ebbw forwards having the grit between their teeth, an all mity push at the scrum on the five-metre line, saw the Carmarthen pack go back at a rate of nots. With the ball at his feet replacement number eight Hopkins dived on the ball to score Ebbw’s bonus point try. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion to bring the game to a close.

Full-time: Ebbw Vale RFC 24 Carmarthen Quins RFC 7

28/12/24

Steelmen Return to Winning Ways

Ebbw Vale RFC 34 Pontypool RFC 3

Ebbw made amends for last weeks defeat and collected six points in the reverse fixture against Pontypool, in a game that was played in front of a large crowd.

The home side came out with the grit between their teeth. From a lineout inside the Pooler half, the ball made its way to number eight Ryan Jenkins, who powered over to score an early opening try. Outside half Evan was successful with the conversion.

The visitors scored their only points of the afternoon when former Steelman fly half Kieran Meek kicked a penalty from inside the hosts half.

Ebbw Vale soon extended their lead. From a lineout inside the Pontypool half, the forwards set up a rolling maul, which finished with captain Joe Franchi crashing over to score his sides second try of the afternoon. However, on this occasion Lloyd was unable to add the extras.

Towards the end of the first half the hosts were reduced to fourteen men for ten minutes, when referee Ben Breakspear sent second row Dylan Bartlett to the sin bin.

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

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 12 Pontypool RFC 3

Within ten minutes of the second half, Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange replaced props Morgan Davies and Adam Williams with Luke Garrett and Adam Court. Prop Court marked his fiftieth appearance from the bench.

The try of the afternoon came shortly into the second half. A fantastic break by centre Cameron Davies from his own twenty-two, saw the centre make a huge amount of ground. With the ball in the away side’s half, the ball made its way out to winger Harry Rees-Weldon, who rounded off a great break to score in the corner. Lloyd was unable to add the extras.

With his team on the back foot, Pooler hooker Sam Scarfe was shown a yellow card by referee Breakspear and sent to the sin bin for ten minutes.

Another Ebbw Vale change by coach Strange saw hooker Joe Franchi be replaced by Ieuan Morris.

With the Ebbw forwards not letting up, from a scrum in the visitors twenty-two, an all mity push by the Steelmen’s eight saw referee Breakspear left with no alternative but to go under the posts and award a penalty try to the hosts.

Further changes by the home side saw Hamish Anderson, Sion Parry, Ryan Jenkins, Rory Harries and Matt Jones be replaced by Ryan Gardner, Lewis Young, Ben Main, Morgan Richards and Gruffydd Tough all within minutes of each other.

With the majority of the game being played in the Pontypool half, the ball found its way to Ebbw outside half Lloyd just inside the away side’s half. Scanning what was in front of him, the number ten sent an excellent long range drop goal through the middle of the posts to add an extra three points to his team’s tally.

With the game coming towards a close, a huge penalty kick from inside the Ebbw Vale half saw Lloyd put the hosts on the Pooler five-yard line. From the lineout a rolling maul finished with replacement Ieuan Morris crashing over the try line for the home sides fifth try of the afternoon. Lloyd kicked the conversion.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 34 Pontypool RFC 3

Tries: Ryan Jenkins (1), Joe Franchi (1), Harry Rees-Weldon (1), Penalty try (1), Ieuan Morris (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (2)

Drop Goal: Evan Lloyd (1)

21/12/24

Ebbw Lose Away From Home

Pontypool RFC 23 Ebbw Vale RFC 16

Ebbw Vale’s unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday at Pontypool Park. An injury to top points scorer Evan Lloyd saw the away side make a late change to their starting fifteen, with coach Jason Strange handing a debut to new signing Gruffydd Tough.

The first half started quite brightly for the Steelmen, with the visitors spending time on the front foot inside the Pontypool half. Their territory was rewarded when debutant Tough slotted a penalty from inside the hosts half.

However, Pontypool soon struck back. A fine break by scrum half Morgan Lloyd, saw the young number nine offload to the supporting runner Pat Lewis, who went over for the first try of the afternoon. Ex Steelman Kieran Meek added the extras.

With the ball staying within the forwards, referee Rhys Jones awarded the visitors a penalty. Fly half Tough put the Steelmen into the Pooler twenty-two. From the lineout, the Ebbw forward’s set up a maul, which ended with hooker Joe Franchi adding to his tries for the season. On this occasion Tough was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Outside half Tough extended Ebbw’s lead to four points from a penalty after referee Jones penalised the home side.

Half Time: Pontypool RFC 7 Ebbw Vale RFC 11

The first try of the second half came to the home side when from a lineout inside the Steelmen’s twenty-two, number eight Morgan Allen went over the try line to put his team back in front. Fly half Meek was unable to add the extras.

Moments later, the hosts extended their lead further. A kick up the line saw the home side’s full back Lewis speed through and touch down the ball unopposed. Meek again was unsuccessful with kicking the conversion.

Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange started to make the changes. Replacement props Morgan Davies and Adam Williams came on for Luke Garrett and Adam Court.

The home side made their second half dominance pay, when number ten Meek kicked a huge penalty from just inside the opposition’s half, to put Pontypool over one score ahead.

Further changes by coach Strange, saw Joe Franchi, Jack Pope and minutes later Ryan Jenkins be replaced by Ieuan Morris, Ewan McIntyre and Lewis Young.

Another penalty by Pooler flyhalf Meek saw, the number ten extend his teams lead to twelve points.

Straight from the kick off, a charge down from a Pontypool ruck by centre Dom Franchi, saw the experienced centre chase the ball down, to score Ebbw`s second try of the afternoon and secure a losing bonus point for the Steelmen. Tough was unsuccessful with the conversion.

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

Full Time: Pontypool RFC 23 Ebbw Vale RFC 16

Scorers

Tries: Joe Franchi (1), Dom Franchi (1)

Penalties: Gruffydd Tough (2)

14/12/24

Ebbw Go Top

Ebbw Vale RFC 32 Cardiff RFC 20

The Steelmen provided a stirring second half performance to keep hold of the SRC Challenger Shield and move top of the league, after a game of two halves.

After early pressure by the home side, an interception on the Cardiff twenty-two by away winger Edmund Anya, saw the winger run the length of the field unopposed to score the games opening try. Number ten Fraser Jones added the two points.

Within five minutes the Rags scored their second try of the afternoon. Good forward play by the visitors, was rewarded by hooker Alun Rees crossing the line. Jones again added the extras.

The away side extended their lead further when referee Ben Connor awarded Cardiff a penalty inside the Ebbw half. Jones sending the kick through the middle of the posts to extend the lead to seventeen points.

The hosts soon got back into the game. Good play by the forwards saw the ball end up in the hands of centre Cameron Davies. With a lot to do, the young centre showed strength to go over the line close to the touchline, despite the efforts of the covering Rags defence. The club’s top points scorer Evan Lloyd was successful with the conversion.

Despite the best efforts of both sides, no further points were added to the scoreboard during the half.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 7 Cardiff RFC 17

The home side were forced into a change at half time. Winger Ewan Bowden was replaced by Ieuan Evans, due to injury.

Further changes by Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange saw props Luke Garrett and Adam Court replace Morgan Davies and Adam Williams.

The try of the afternoon came within thirteen minutes of the second half. With the ball on the Ebbw twenty-two, an excellent break by young centre Cameron Davies, saw the Steelman draw the defence and pass to the supporting Rory Harries inside the away side’s half. With defenders closing, the scrum half passed to number eight Ryan Jenkins, who from around the visitors twenty-two, showed his pace to go over under the posts for an excellent team try. Lloyd again added the two points to reduce the deficit to three points.

Within five minutes, Ebbw took the lead for the first time during the afternoon. With the forwards on top, a dominant scrum ended with number eight Jenkins showing his strength to go over the try line, despite the Rags best efforts. However, on this occasion, Lloyd was unable to add the extras.

On the hour mark, Cardiff were reduced to fourteen men, when after a clearing kick, replacement Jarred Williams put in a late hit on outside half Lloyd, which left referee Connor with no other option but to send Williams to the sin bin for ten minutes.

The Steelmen made the most of their numerical advantage with Lloyd adding three points from the tee after referee Connor awarded the home side a penalty.

Moments later, the away side made it a two-point game when Fraser Jones again sent the ball through the uprights after Cardiff were awarded a penalty by referee Connor.

Ebbw Vale coach Strange replaced captain Joe Franchi with Ieuan Morris. Within minutes the home side extended their lead back to five points when Lloyd was again successful with the penalty.

Further changes by Ebbw Vale saw flanker Sion Parry and number eight Ryan Jenkins be replaced by Ben Main and Lewis Young.

Deep into injury time, the Steelmen scored their bonus point try. After sustained pressure by Ebbw Vale in the visitor`s twenty-two, the ball made its way out towards outside half Lloyd, who with a two man overlap decided to go himself and score, despite being tackled by the covering defence. Lloyd added the two points with the final kick of the game.

Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange will be happy to come away with five points against the then league leaders. Plans now turn to the Gwent derby double header against Pontypool RFC over the Christmas season.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 32 Cardiff RFC 20

Ebbw Vale MOTM: Cameron Davies

Scorers

Tries: Cameron Davies (1), Ryan Jenkins (2), Evan Lloyd (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3) Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)

30/11/24

Ebbw Take a Gripping Victory at St Helens

Swansea RFC 20 Ebbw Vale RFC 40

Ebbw Vale come away from a gusty St Helens with six points in a game where the forwards laid the platform for a dominant performance.

From the kick-off Ebbw Vale had a scrum from a Swansea knock on. From the set piece the referee awarded Ebbw Vale a penalty. After multiple lineouts in the Swansea half, Ebbw Vale scored their first try of the afternoon when hooker Ieuan Morris crashed over the line from the all too familiar rolling maul. Evan Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.

After having some play in the Ebbw Vale half, Flyhalf Josh Philips scored his sides first points of the game from a penalty.

Ebbw Vale hooker Morris scored his second try of the afternoon, again from the rolling maul. Flyhalf Lloyd successfully added the two points.

The All Whites were reduced to fourteen men when number eight Dan Gemine was shown a yellow card for ill-discipline.

With the visitor’s forwards being dominant in the scrum, scrum half Rory Harries touched down from the back of the scrum to score the away side`s third try of the game. Outside half Lloyd was successful with the conversion.

After spending some time with the ball in the Ebbw Vale half, from a lineout inside the Steelmen`s twenty-two saw home hooker Jamie Cox finish off the move to score his side`s first try. Philips added the extras.

Further ill-discipline by the home sides second row Ben Roberts saw him get yellow carded and his side again reduced to fourteen men.

With the forwards having the grit between their teeth, a huge push by the Ebbw pack saw number eight Ryan Jenkins touch the ball down at the base of the scrum for Ebbw Vale`s bonus point try. Lloyd kicked the conversion to extend his team’s lead going into half time.

Halftime: Swansea RFC 10 Ebbw Vale RFC 26

During halftime, Ebbw coach Jason Strange replaced double try scorer Ieuan Morris with Captain Joe Franchi. Further changes moments later by coach Strange, saw props Luke Garrett, Adam Court and Flanker Cameron Regan be replaced by Adam Williams, Morgan Davies and Curtis Gregory.

A third yellow card to the home side saw flanker Geraint Powell spend ten minutes in the sin bin.

Despite the changes, the Ebbw Vale pack remained dominant and after going through the phases in the home sides twenty-two, from the final pick and go Jack Pope crossed the line to score the Steelmen`s fifth try. Lloyd added the extras.

Ebbw Vale`s number eight Ryan Jenkins was then replaced by Lewis Young on approximately the hour mark. Moments later scrumhalf Rory Harries was replaced by Dan Buffrey.

Mid-way through the second half both teams were reduced to fourteen men when Ebbw Vale`s second row Dylan Bartlett and the All-Whites number eighteen Ellis Fackrell were both shown the yellow card for an altercation off the ball.

After spending some time in the Swansea half, the away side`s centre Cameron Davies showed his speed to chop through the defence and score Ebbw’s sixth try of the afternoon. Lloyd kicked the conversion successfully.

Ebbw`s final changes saw Morgan Richards come on to replace number ten Evan Lloyd and Ieaun Evans came on for try scorer Cameron Davies.

With the game becoming disjointed after so many substitutes, Swansea spent time in the Ebbw vale half. From a lineout in the Ebbw twenty-two Swansea scored their second try, when replacement Tom Edwards went over unopposed. Philips was unsuccessful with his conversion attempt.

Playing with confidence the hosts applied pressure to the Steelmen`s line only to be stopped by illegal play. The away side`s Jack Pope spent the remainder of the game in the sin bin.

Credit to Swansea for never giving up. With the final play of the game, the All Whites stretched the visitors defence and scored their third try out wide. Philips`s attempt drifted wide of the posts with the final kick of the game.

Full time: Swansea RFC 20 Ebbw Vale RFC 40

Tries: Ieuan Morris (2), Rory Harries (1), Cameron Davies (1), Ryan Jenkins (1), Jack Pope (1)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (5)

26/10/24

Ebbw win down West

Carmarthen Quins 11 Ebbw Vale RFC 39

The Steelmen provided a storming second half performance to come away from Carmarthen Park with six points for the third game in a row, after playing in the autumn sun at Carmarthen.

Facing into the wind, the away side made their intentions clear from the start. Having lots of possession and territory in the Quins half, the visitors were unable to cross the line after good defence by the hosts.

The first points of the afternoon came to the visitors when fly half Evan Lloyd successfully kicked a penalty to put Ebbw Vale three points to the good.

However, the home side quickly hit back. The Steelmen were unable to collect a kick from deep inside the Quins half, and winger Louis Rees took the opportunity to race clear and touch the ball down over the line. Home outside half Aled Thomas was unable to add the two points.

Ebbw Vale`s head coach Jason Strange was forced into a first half substitution when prop Morgan Williams left the field injured to be replaced by Luke Garrett.

With the away side having lots of the ball, good defence by Carmarthen ended with referee Mike English awarding the away side a penalty. Number ten Lloyd successfully added the three points to put his team in the lead by one point.

On the stroke of half time, a penalty by the Quins fly half Thomas, saw the home side go into the break two points in the lead.

Half Time: Carmarthen Quins RFC 8 Ebbw Vale RFC 6

The away side came out for the second half with the wind behind their backs. With Lloyd putting Ebbw Vale inside the Carmarthen twenty-two from a penalty, referee English awarded Ebbw a penalty try after the maul was collapsed by the try line. English also showed Carmarthen prop James Newnian a yellow card.

Ebbw Vale replacement prop Adam Court came on for Adam Williams shortly afterwards.

However, the away sides numerical advantage was to be short lived when referee English showed the Steelmen’s number eight Sion Parry a yellow card to reduce both sides to fourteen men. The home side’s fly half Thomas took advantage and kicked three points to reduce the deficit to two points.

With the Ebbw forwards building up a head of steam, referee English showed Carmarthen replacement prop Lewis Jones a yellow card for il- discipline.

After kicking to the corner from the resulting penalty, the forwards set up a maul. With the backs joining hooker Joe Franchi dived over the line to score Ebbw’s second try of the afternoon. Top points scorer Lloyd added the extras.

However, Franchi’s afternoon was to be cut short when coach Strange replaced the captain with Ieuan Morris.

The substitute was about to make his mark, when from another driving maul inside the Carmarthen twenty-two, Morris finished the move off by touching the ball down over the line. Lloyd again kicked the conversion.

With the away side pulling further ahead, Ebbw replaced flanker’s Jack Pope and Ben Main with Ewan McIntyre and Kobi Rees and shortly after Morgan Richards and Ieuan Evans came on for Matt Jones and Ewan Bowden.

With the Steelmen’s forwards putting the hosts defence under pressure, another driving maul from a lineout inside the Carmarthen twenty-two saw replacement Morris crossed for his second try of the game and the away side’s fourth. Lloyd added the extra two points.

The final substitution of the afternoon for the visitor’s saw scrum half Rory Harries be replaced by Dan Buffery, who came on to make his league debut.

The final try of the afternoon came from the final play of the game. After setting up another unstoppable rolling maul from a lineout in the Quin’s twenty-two, replacement Morris scored a hat trick of tries to round off a fine performance. However, on this occasion, Lloyd sent the ball wide of the uprights.

Full Time: Carmarthen Quins RFC 11 Ebbw Vale RFC 39

Tries: Penalty try (1), Joe Franchi (1), Ieuan Morris (3)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3)

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)

19/10/24

Bridgend Ravens 18 Ebbw Vale RFC 34

Ebbw claimed yet another six-pointer, on the road defeating Bridgend 34-18 at the Dunraven Brewery Field.

A lovely afternoon and a luscious green baize to work with should have set the afternoon up for some terrific running rugby, but with a heavy tailwind behind them, Ebbw couldn’t make it pay, yielding only an early Evan Lloyd penalty to give the visitors the lead.

It was then the hosts who struck the first blow, taking advantage of the extra man and McCauley Rowley crossed in the corner to get the game’s first try. Burnell missing the conversion, his second missed kick of the game so far.

A match marred with errors and inaccuracies soon saw Liam Tobias join Dom Franchi in the sin bin and the Ebbw pack crashed over to give Joe Franchi the first of his three tries.

The game was bubbling, and soon came to a boil when Ebbw number eight Ryan Jenkins saw straight red for a tip tackle, sandwiched by two Burnell penalties. The half came to a close with Evan Lloyd, the league’s top points scorer, converting a penalty.

HALF TIM