With both sides starting the game by giving away a number of penalties, referee Ben Connor awarded the home side a penalty in the away side’s half. The Steelmen’s top scorer and full back for the day Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the penalty to put his side ahead.

The blue and blacks were soon down to fourteen men when flanker Nathan Hudd was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes by referee Connor for repeated infringements. With Ebbw having the upper hand, flanker Lewis Young scored the game’s first try. Full back Lloyd added the two points.

Further good play by the home side’s forwards and backs saw the Steelmen almost score a second try, only for the assistant referee to adjudge a push off the ball, which resulted in Cardiff being awarding a penalty to relieve the pressure.

With the away side putting together some good phases of play inside the Ebbw Vale twenty-two, referee Connor awarded the blue and blacks a penalty within five metres of the line. Some quick thinking by outside half Dan Fish saw the number ten take a quick penalty and dive over the line to score his sides first points of the game. With Fish moving out to the wing, replacement fly half Harrison James kicked the conversion to bring his side to within three points.

On the stroke of half time, referee Connor penalised Ebbw. Cardiff marksman Harrison James again kicked the penalty to take the game into half time all square.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale 10 – Cardiff 10

The home side came out in the second half clearly fired up. After winning good lineout ball and then being awarded a scrum, referee Connor awarded Ebbw a penalty inside the blue and blacks half. Lloyd successfully added the three points.

Against the run of play, the away side were awarded a penalty from a scrum inside the Steelmen’s half. Replacement flyhalf Harrison James again levelled the score at 13 all.

Some good play by the Ebbw backs, just inside the blue and black’s half saw the Steelmen almost score a second try. A quick pass inside found its way to speedster Carrick McDonough, who cut a line through the defence to show his speed and go untouched over the try line, only for referee Connor to bring the game back for a forward pass.

Ebbw Vale head coach Jason Strange made the decision to replace the magnificent Joe Franchi with Rhys Francis, the hard-working Luke Garrett with Joel Harries, the superb Dave Whiting, on his last appearance for the side with Adam Court and the ever-dependable Lewis Young with Bevan Jay.

With the game entering the final fifteen minutes, Cardiff scored the winning points, when from a scrum the ball was fed to full back Cameron Winnett. In space, the full back went over the line for his sides second try of the game. James was unable to add the two points.

The Steelmen made their final changes when Matthew Flanagan replaced the quick-thinking Jon Evans, Morgan Richards came on for the skilful Kieran Meek and Ewan Bowden made his debut for Ebbw when replacing Amir Jiwa Walji on the wing. Morgan Thomas replaced Jakub Malecki in the final change for the Steelmen.

With the away side giving away penalty after penalty in the dying moments, the Steelmen were unable to capitalise, with the blue and blacks seeing out the game.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale 13- Cardiff 18

Spirit of Wales Distillery man of the match: Joe Franchi

The home side collect five points

by Alex Kinsella-Evans

Fifth placed Ebbw welcomed sixth placed Aberavon to The Ciner Glass Community Stadium on what was a beautiful day for rugby.

Straight from the kick off, a fired-up Aberavon took the game to the hosts. From a lineout in the Ebbw Vale half, the ball made its way out to fly half Joe Thomas, who broke through the home defence to score under the posts and get Aberavon’s first try of the game. Winger Chris Banfield was successful with the conversion.

With the Steelmen’s forwards starting to get a foothold in the game, referee Mike English awarded the home side a penalty. Full back for the day and prolific points scorer Evan Lloyd kicked the three points.

The away side hit back quickly and scored their second try of the game in the fifteenth minute when winger Chris Banfield went over in the corner after some good play by his side’s forwards. Banfield was unsuccessful with the conversion from out wide.

Ebbw’s second penalty of the game came when referee English penalised the Wizards in their twenty-two after the Steelmen forwards started to get on the front foot. Lloyd was successful with the penalty to make it a six-point game.

With less than ten minutes left in the first half, good play between the home side forwards and backs saw a break into the away side’s twenty-two. Referee English awarded Aberavon number ten Joe Thomas a yellow card for a professional foul.

With Ebbw opting to take the scrum, quick hands by the backs saw the ball end up at the hands of full back Lloyd, who with plenty to do came into the line at pace to score a well taken try. However, Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion to bring his team back to within a point.

On the stroke of half time, further good play by the Steelman’s forwards and backs saw them make in-roads into Aberavon’s half. Within seconds, some quick passes out to winger Carrick McDonough, saw the winger in space. With no defender in sight, the speedster went over the try line untouched to go into double figures for the season. Lloyd added the extras to bring the half to a close.

Half Time Ebbw Vale 18 – 12 Aberavon

The start of the second half saw Ebbw Vale get on top. With the forwards making inroads, the Wizards were penalised in their own half. Marksman Lloyd duly added the three points for the home side.

With fullback Lloyd putting Ebbw on the front foot with some excellent 50:22 kicks, further good play by Ebbw Vale in the away side’s twenty-two, led to the ball arriving at flyhalf Kieran Meek’s hands deep inside the Aberavon twenty-two. With an overlap out wide, some smart thinking by the fly half, saw Meek throw a looping pass out wide to winger McDonough. In acres of space, the winger again went over the line untouched to extend his team’s lead. Lloyd again added the two points to make the score 28-12 to the Steelmen.

On fifty-six minutes, the hosts were reduced to fourteen men. After some good work by the Wizards, a try saving tackle by centre Dom Franchi saw the away side just short of the try line. However, the centre was penalised and shown the yellow card for having hands in the ruck.

From the resulting play and having the numerical advantage, Aberavon scored their third try of the game through Luke Davies. Chris Banfield was again successful with the conversion.

Within five minutes, the Wizards scored their bonus point try of the game. Some excellent exchange of passes between forwards and backs saw the supporting Frankie Jones score under the posts. Replacement Rhodri Cole kicked the conversion to bring it back to a two-point game.

Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange replaced the ever-dependable Luke Garrett and hard-working Rhys Francis with Joel Harries and Joe Franchi.

Back to fifteen and with just less than a quarter of an hour to go in the game, the Steelmen had a lineout in the away side twenty-two. Quick ball out by scrum half Jon Evans saw outside centre Ethan Phillips go outside his opposite number to score the bonus point try. Lloyd added the two points.

The industrious Lewis Young was replaced by Bevan Jay, who was making his home debut. Further substitutions saw the outstanding Adam Court be replaced by Owen Hatherill, who also made his debut, the excellent Jon Evans replaced by Matthew Flanagan and Morgan Thomas came on for the excellent Jakub Malecki.

With the game ending, a dominant display by Ebbw saw the home side awarded a penalty in the Aberavon half. The team’s top scorer Lloyd kicked the penalty to extend his team’s lead to twelve points.

Credit to both sides, who contributed towards an entertaining game. Coach Jason Strange will be hoping his side see the season out next week at home to Cardiff with a win.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale 38 – 26 Aberavon

Distillery spirit of Wales man of the match: Adam Court

After the game we spoke to Ebbw Vale winger Amir Jiwa Walji. Amir thought the team made a slow start within the first fifteen minutes. However, he was happy that they ended up securing the bonus point win.

We also spoke to opposition winger Stef Andrews. Stef stated, it is always tough to play at Ebbw Vale. He added Ebbw are a quality team with a big heavy pack. It was Aberavon’s last game of the season and they attempted to go out with a bang but just fell short. Stef finished by saying it was a great win for Ebbw and a nice way to end the season for them.

Ebbw experience a narrow defeat

By Alex Kinsella-Evans

The Steelmen made the short journey across the Heads of the Valleys to play the Ironmen on a glorious day for rugby, with their loyal and loud supporters in attendance.

Straight from the kick off, the away side were on the front foot. A knock on by Merthyr in their twenty-two gave Ebbw a scrum. After winning the ball, the away side’s forwards went through the phases, which resulted in captain Joe Franchi use his strength to go over and score his sides first try of the game, with only two minutes gone. Outside half Kieran Meek successfully added the extra’s.

With the Ebbw Vale forwards clearly fired up and taking it to the home side, referee Dewi Phillips awarded the Steelmen two penalties, which Meek was unsuccessful with when taking aim at the posts.

The home side got their first points on the scoreboard when former Ebbw fly half Josh Lewis kicked a penalty in the thirteenth minute of the game.

From a lineout inside the Merthyr half, the away side forwards again got the upper hand and after some fine handling, the ball made its way again to captain Franchi, who went over for his second try of the game. Meek was unlucky with the conversation when hitting the post.

Minutes later, the Ironmen scored their first try of the game when good play by backs and forwards ended in replacement Tom Daley crossing the line. Flyhalf Lewis added the extras.

With the Merthyr pack coming back into the game, quick and intelligent thinking by the Steelmen’s number nine Jon Evans, saw the scrum half take a quick throw in to winger Carrick McDonough in the Ebbw half. The winger with a lot to do, showed his speed to go three quarters of the field untouched, to cross in the corner for Ebbw Vale’s third try of the game. Meek successfully added the extra two points.

With the first half coming towards an end, the Ironmen got their second try of the game when winger Adam Hoskins scored in the corner. Lewis Kicked the conversation from the touch line.

On the stroke of half time, referee Dewi Phillips awarded Merthyr captain Craig Locke a yellow card.

Half Time: Merthyr 17 – 25 Ebbw Vale

With the Merthyr pack still down to seven men, the Ironmen’s flyhalf Josh Lewis successfully kicked a penalty after an illegal challenge by an Ebbw player.

Moments later, with home side back to fifteen men, some good play by the away side forwards led to referee Phillips award the Steelmen a penalty in the Merthyr half. Meek successfully kicked the penalty to extend his teams lead to eight points. Referee Phillips sent Dan Wall to the sin bin for Merthyr’s second yellow card of the game.

On the sixty first minute Ebbw Vale head coach Jason Strange replaced the entire front row. Co-captain Rhys Francis replaced the impressive Joe Franchi and props Joel Harries and Adam Court both came on for the industrious Luke Garrett and Dave Whiting.

The Ironmen scored their third try of the game with approximately fifteen minutes remaining. With their forwards going through the phases, replacement scrum half James Soanes dived over the line. Lewis added the extra’s to make it a one-point game.

The away side made further changes when coach Strange replaced the hard-working Gethin Williams with Lewis Young and influential outside half Kieran Meek with Evan Lloyd. Moments later Amir Saleh replaced the ever-dependable Amir Jiwa-Walji and Matthew Flanagan replaced the bright thinking but injured Morgan Richards, to take up an unusual position for him on the wing. To clear the bench, head coach Strange brought on Bevan Jay to make his debut when he replaced the strong ball carrying Chad Thomas with less than ten minutes to go.

There was a long stoppage in play when the Steelmen’s number eight Ryan Jenkins suffered what appeared to be a serious injury to the head. Also down at the same time was Rhys Francis. Both medical teams and Doctor Rhys Thomas were quick onto the scene to look after both players, with Jenkins unfortunately being stretchered off the field.

With play resuming, both teams took it to each other looking to score the winning points. Ebbw nearly scored their fourth try of the game when after good interchange between forwards and backs saw winger McDonough going over the line, only for the officials to decide the winger was in touch.

With five minutes of play to go, Merthyr forwards made in roads into the away side’s half. A break by a Merthyr forward saw the supporting Morgan Sieniawski receive the ball and go over the line for his team’s bonus point try, despite being tackled by opposing players. Outside half Lewis was successful with the conversation.

With the final play of the game, referee Phillips awarded the Ironmen a penalty, which flyhalf Lewis was unable to convert.

Credit goes to the medical staff of both teams and Doctor Rhys Thomas, who were quickly onto the scene and dealt with the injured Ryan Jenkins expertly.

Full Time: Merthyr 34-28 Ebbw Vale

Steelmen get the bonus point win

Report by Alex Kinsella-Evans

Fifth placed Ebbw Vale beat tenth placed Pontypridd with a bonus point victory after making seven changes to the starting line-up that last featured against Carmarthen.

Straight from the kick off Ebbw were on the front foot. With the line out improved, the ever present Dylan Bartlett stole a Pontypridd line out in the away sides half. The ball made its way out to the inform Ethan Phillips, who handed off the covering defence and tried to feed the ball to the supporting Carrick McDonough. However, the ball did not go to hand.

With a ruck in the Ponty half, the away side’s number eight Joe Miles picked up the ball and ran through the centre only to be halted by the covering home side defence. The ball made its way to Pontypridd outside half Joseph Scrivens, who kicked the ball in behind the Steelmen backline. Scrum half Jon Evans covered and took the tackle. With the Ebbw forwards going through the phases in their own twenty-two, the away side turned the ball over and against the run of play scored the first try of the game when the ball made its way out to the dangerous Niko Matawalu, who with two Ebbw Vale defenders tackling him passed the ball to the supporting Tom Devine to score the try. Fly half Scrivens added the two points.

A neat chip out of the Pontypridd twenty-two by outside half Scrivens saw referee Simon Mills award a yellow card to Ebbw’s number six Andrew Mann for a high tackle.

A kick into touch from their own twenty-two by the away side, resulted in a quickly taken lineout by the Steelmen. Outside half Kieran Meek took the ball forward before second row Dylan Bartlett and prop Dave Whiting made further inroads into the Ponty half. However, referee Mills awarded Ebbw a penalty. Flyhalf Meek scored his teams first points of the game.

With the home side having more of the ball and territory, referee Mills awarded another penalty to the Steelmen in the away side’s half when Ponty flyhalf Scrivens was offside. However, Meek hit the post on this occasion.

A further penalty awarded to Ebbw saw outside half Meek kick to touch in the Pontypridd half. From the lineout the home side forwards set up a maul. The ball was passed out to the backs, who were tackled, With the forwards making ground in front of the goal posts. A quick pass by scrum half Jon Evans to outside centre Ethan Phillips, saw the centre go on the outside of his man only to be tackled just short of the try line. Some quick thinking by the experienced Jon Evans, saw the scrum half pick up the ball and dive onto the try line for Ebbw Vale’s first try of the game. Meek added the extras.

An excellent 50:22 kick by the influential Meek gave the Steelmen a Lineout in the Pontypridd twenty-two. The home side were rewarded further when referee Mills awarded a penalty with the last kick of the first half. Meek kicked the penalty to take his team into the lead 13-10 at half time.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale 13-10 Pontypridd

Within the first few minutes of the second half, the referee went to the screen to review a high tackle by Ebbw winger Amir Jiwa Walji. After discussing with his fellow officials, referee Mills awarded the winger a yellow card.

Some good play by the home side forwards led to Meek putting in a clever cross kick for winger McDonough to expertly catch the ball, draw a player and pass to flanker Gethin Williams. With a lot to do, Williams held of the tackle, used his strength and did well to keep his feet out of touch and scored in the corner. Meek was successful with the conversation from the touchline.

Coach Jason Strange made the first two substitutions of the game after fifty-five minutes when props Charley Kearns and Harry Drane replaced the ever-dependable Luke Garrett and Dave Whiting.

A swift back’s move led to Meek throw a long pass to Phillips, who in acres of space used his pace to slice through the Ponty defence. However, the play came to nothing.

From a scrum just inside the away side’s half, some quick passing by the Ebbw Vale backs, saw Phillips, Richards and Jiwa Walji make inroads into the Pontypridd twenty-two. Referee Mills awarded the Steelmen a penalty for not rolling away. The home side kicked to the corner. From the line out, the forwards set up a maul, which resulted in co-captain Joe Franchi crash over for his side’s third try of the game. Meek added the two points.

Further changes to the home side saw co-captain Rhys Francis replace try scorer Joe Franchi and back rowers Chad Thomas and Lewis Young replace hard working Gethin Williams and Ryan Jenkins. Moments later half backs Matthew Flanagan and Evan Lloyd replaced try scorer Jon Evans and the outstanding Kieran Meek.

With ten minutes left in the game, the away side’s captain and former Ebbw Vale second row Kristian Parker was shown a yellow card to see out the game in the sin bin.

The last substitution of the game for the home side saw a debut for Amir Saleh replace the threatening Amir Jiwa Walji

Using the man advantage Ebbw scored their fourth try of the game and claim the bonus point when replacement Evan Lloyd superbly saw space behind the Pontypridd defence and put a clever grubber kick in for speedster Carrick McDonough to race through, collect the ball and score the bonus point try. Lloyd hit the uprights with the conversation to see the game end with the Steelmen collecting the five points.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale 32-10 Pontypridd

Spirit Of Wales Distillery man of the match: Kieran Meek

After the game we spoke to fullback Morgan Richards. Discussing the game, Morgan acknowledged it was a tough effort from the whole squad and believed the team worked hard from the first minute. He finished by advising it was not pretty during the first half hour but during the second half the team really showed that it does not matter who they play against, they can play good rugby.

Ebbw win out West

Fifth placed The Steelmen came away from Carmarthen Park with a win after a competitive game was played in the Spring sunshine.

From the kick off, the ball was taken into touch in the Carmarthen twenty-two by a Quins player. The away side spent plenty of time in the home side twenty-Two trying to score the first try of the game, however, were held up over the try line. The referee awarded the Quins a dropout.

With the Steelmen spending the majority of the time inside the Carmarthen half, a rare attack into the away side twenty-two saw the Quins awarded a scrum. Against the run of play, referee Craig Evans ruled the Ebbw Vale front row had caused an illegal offence and awarded the home side a penalty. The Quins outside half Steff Marshall put the first points on the scoreboard.

An early substitution for the Steelmen saw winger Ryan Davies making way for Amir Jiwa Walji after receiving a knock to the head.

With the Ebbw Vale front row of Charley Kearns, Rhys Francis and Dave Whiting not taking a backward step and being supported well by the remainder of the pack, referee Evans awarded the first of two yellow cards to the Quins front rower James Newnian for an illegal offence.

The Steelmen decided to kick to the corner and from the line out, the home side turned the ball over. However, further offences by Carmarthen players saw referee Evans award Ebbw two consecutive penalties.

The pressure eventually told for the away side, when from a scrum inside the Quins twenty-two, quick ball made its way out to Ebbw’s full back Morgan Richards, who showed his strength and powered between two Quins players to score the first try of the game. The away side’s number ten Evan Lloyd was unable to add the extras.

From the kick off, the ball reached winger Carrick McDonough, who tapped the ball into touch to bring the first half to its conclusion.

Half Time: Carmarthen Quins 3-5 Ebbw Vale

With the Steelmen playing into the wind in the second half, the opening phases of the half were even until the home side’s number three Ben Leung was shown the second yellow card for the Quins.

Ebbw coach Jason Strange started to ring the changes with Joe Franchi replacing fellow captain Rhys Francis, Ryan Jenkins replaced number eight Chad Thomas and centre Ethan Phillips on his return to the squad from injury came on for fly half Evan Lloyd. The latter seeing a reshuffle to the back line with Phillips slotting into the outside centre position, Dom Franchi moving back to his usual position of inside centre and Kieran Meek moving to fly half.

With Carmarthen claiming more of the ball in the second half, referee Evans awarded the Quins a penalty inside the Ebbw Vale twenty-two. Outside half Marshall easily converted the penalty to put the home side a point in front.

During the half, the away side made further changes when props Adam Court and Joel Harries, who returned to the squad after a spell out injured, replaced the tireless Charley Kearns and Dave Whiting. From a lineout, the ball made its way out to the Steelmen’s replacement number eight Ryan Jenkins, who made a barn storming run into the home side half, only to be tackled before he was able to pass the ball to the supporting Ethan Phillips.

Ebbw were awarded a penalty in their own half, which Meek kicked to the Quins twenty-two. With the line out greatly improved, the away side won the ball and the forwards put together an impressive maul, only to be stopped from going over the line. Further good work by the away side forwards saw referee Evans award a penalty to Ebbw. Fly half Meek successfully added the three points to put his side ahead by two.

With the Ebbw forwards starting to win more ball, some clean quick ball on the Carmarthen twenty-two made its way out to second row Curtis Gregory, who in the centre position galloped through a gap in the defence to score a very well taken try. Meek added the extra two points.

The away sides final change of the game saw backrower Gethin Williams replace the hard-working Lewis Young.

As the game entered its final moments, the home side applied pressure only to be stopped by a well drilled Ebbw defence. However, with the final play of the game, the Quins breached the Steelmen defence with a well finished try. Outside half Steff Marshall added the two points with the final kick of the game.

Full Time: Carmarthen Quins 13- 15 Ebbw Vale

After the game we spoke to Ebbw Vale try scorer and second row Curtis Gregory. Curtis acknowledged in the first half the team did not help themselves by making too many errors. However, he believes in the second half the team managed to hold onto the ball better, went through some plays and created chances. Curtis finished by stating he was happy to have scored his first try for the club.

Iron beat Steel

By Alex Kinsella-Evans

Third placed the Ironmen made a short trip across the Heads of the Valley to play fifth placed the Steelmen on a horrendous night where seeing players on the field was difficult.

Straight from the kick off Merthyr were on the front foot when the ball was knocked on by an Ebbw Vale forward. However, the play came to nothing.

With the weather conditions deteriorating, the referee awarded Merthyr a penalty. With the wind behind them, the Ironmen kicked to touch. From the lineout the referee awarded another penalty to the away side. Former Steelman flyhalf Josh Lewis, playing at inside centre for the evening successfully added the three points.

As the ball became difficult to keep hold of, due to the driving rain, Merthyr knocked the ball on, on their twenty-two. From the resulting scrum, the referee awarded a penalty to the home side. Ebbw’s prolific points scorer, Evan Lloyd, kicked his first penalty of the evening.

With Merthyr gaining the ascendancy and dealing with the weather conditions better, the away side were awarded consecutive penalties. However, the play came to nothing when the Steelmen turned the ball over and the referee awarded a penalty to Ebbw.

From the penalty, the home side’s outside half, Evan Lloyd, kicked into the Merthyr half. From the lineout, the home side went through the phases before the referee gave Ebbw a penalty within kicking range. Merthyr number five, Callum Bradbury, was sent to the sin bin for ten minutes. Fly half Lloyd put the home side in front after kicking the penalty.

Down to fourteen men, the Ironmen kept the ball within the forwards and from a lineout in the Steelmen’s half, the ball made its way to Merthyr winger Terri Gee, who burst through three missed tackles to go over for the first try of the game. Josh Lewis successfully converted the try, adding two points for the away team.

With both teams struggling to keep hold of the ball, no further points were added to the scoreline in the first half.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale 6-13 Merthyr

The second half continued in much the same vein as the first half, with both teams being awarded penalties and not being able to keep hold of the ball.

With the Ebbw pack starting to gain some ball, the referee awarded a penalty which outside half Lloyd successfully kicked to bring the home side within four points of the visitors.

As the home side line out started to go astray and Merthyr gaining more of the territory, the referee gave two further penalties to Merthyr, both inside the Steelmen’s half, which Lewis successfully converted, to make the scoreline nineteen points to nine to the away side.

Inside the last twenty minutes, the Ebbw forwards went through some good phases of play. The ball made its way out to Morgan Richards, who sliced through the Merthyr defence, only to be stopped by an illegal offence. The referee awarded a penalty to the home side within the Ironmen’s twenty-two. However, Lloyd hit the upright with the penalty attempt.

Both sides entered into a kicking dual to try and force a mistake. When inside the Ebbw twenty-two a kick by speedster Ryan Davies unfortunately hit a fellow Steelman and fell into the hands of an away side player who turned and went over for the away side’s second try of the game. Lewis was unable to add the two points.

As the weather deteriorated, no further points were added to the scoreline and the Ironmen deservedly won the game.

FT: Ebbw Vale 9-24 Merthyr

Spirit of Wales Distillery MOTM: Evan Lloyd

After the game we spoke with former Steelmen, Dragons and Ospreys back Josh Lewis. Josh commented on it being a game he did not want to be involved in. He acknowledged it was a game where a result had to be dug out. He finished by saying it was nice to get a victory, especially as he knew it was tough to go to the Ciner Glass Community Stadium and come away as victors.

We also caught up with Ebbw Vale winger Carrick McDonough. Carrick was disappointed with the performance. He thought there were errors in the set piece, individual errors from himself and others and overall the team made too many mistakes to be able to come away with a victory.

A tale of two halves 24-31

By Alex Kinsealla-Evans

The Steelmen went to St Helens fifth in the table, looking to continue their good run after victories against Llanelli and Bridgend, on a day that was perfect for rugby.

However, the team were slow out of the blocks in a first half they are likely to want to forget.

With the home side forwards on top, the first opportunity fell to the All Whites centre Osian Knott, who entered the Ebbw Vale twenty-two. However, the play came to nothing when the referee awarded a penalty to the away side.

The home side scored the first try of the game when through some good backs play, centre Knott with space in front of him showed pace down the wing and put in a kick which eventually found the supporting scrum half Gareth Rees, who went over for the try. Fly half James Davies successfully added the extras.

From a lineout in the Swansea twenty-two, the Steelmen forwards drove to the line, with captain Rhys Francis diving over to score his sides first try of the game. Outside half Evan Lloyd was unable to add the two points.

On the halfway line, with Ebbw winning a line out, scrum half Matthew Flanagan threw a long pass which was read and caught by the home side’s outside centre Tom Florence, who raced away unopposed to score the All Whites second try of the game. Davies again added the conversation.

With Swansea’s outside half James Davies marshalling his backline well, an excellent 50:22 by the number ten gave the home side a lineout in the away side’s twenty-two. From the lineout the referee awarded the home side a penalty, which Davies successfully kicked to put his side 17 – 5 ahead.

Swansea were awarded a scrum after the ball become stuck from a lineout inside the Steelmen’s twenty-two. From the scrum, the All Whites number eight Scott Jenkins picked up the ball and ran down the blindside to score in the corner. Fly half Davies successfully kicked the conversation.

Despite efforts by both sides, no further points were added to the scoreline before half time with Swansea deservedly going into the break ahead.

Half Time: Swansea 24-5 Ebbw Vale

The Ebbw Vale side came out for the second half clearly fired up. From a penalty, fly half Lloyd kicked into the Swansea twenty-two. Good home defence initially held up the attack before the referee awarded a penalty to the away side. Another kick to touch led to the away side nearly scoring a try. However, the Swansea defence held firm.

Ebbw coach Jason Strange replaced props Luke Garrett with Charley Kearns, Dave Whiting with Adam Court and flanker Joe Thomas with Lewis Young after fifty-seven minutes gone.

A further penalty awarded by the referee to the Steelmen saw outside half Lloyd kick to within the five-metre line. With the forwards building up a head of steam scrum half Matthew Flanagan cleverly picked up the ball and dived over to score his team’s second try. Lloyd missing the conversation.

With the Ebbw replacements starting to make an impact, a surging break from Lewis Young was only stopped by an illegal offence by the All Whites second row Tristan Davies. Referee Newman showed the player a yellow card.

Within a few minutes the home side were down to thirteen men, when flanker Callum Bowden was shown a yellow card for a foul. Lloyd kicked to the corner. However, the home sides thirteen men held the Ebbw attack up over the line.

Influential centre Dom Franchi was replaced after sixty-eight minutes by last week’s hero Kieran Meek.

The away side took advantage of the extra men when outside centre Ethan Phillips continued his recent good form by running at speed through a gap in the Swansea defence to touch down in the corner. Lloyd expertly added the extras to bring the Steelmen within seven points of their opponents.

Coach Strange cleared the replacement bench over the remaining minutes with captain Rhys Francis being replaced by Alex Watkins, Joe Bartlett replacing his brother Dylan Bartlett to mark his first game back, Dylan Davies making his debut for Ethan Phillips and Liam Lloyd coming on for Morgan Richards.

Referee Newman gave Swansea their third yellow card of the game when prop Ben Warren was penalised for a professional foul. However, the away side were unable to take advantage from the set play.

From a scrum on the halfway line, the Ebbw pack won the ball against the head. Quick ball out to the backs saw the ball at speedster Carrick McDonough’s hands, who showed a clean pair of heels to go over in the corner. Lloyd kicking the conversation from out wide to make the score 24 all.

From the immediate kick off, the ball was won by Ebbw’s second row Joe Bartlett, who went down with an unfortunate injury. The game was stopped for a period whilst the medical staff attended to Joe. Credit goes to all who attended so quickly and expertly.

The home side won a penalty from the resulting scrum. However, outside half Davies was unsuccessful with the kick.

With the play going into the last moments, the ball was caught by the Swansea’s number ten, who ran towards the half way line and threw a pass, which was expertly intercepted by replacement Lewis Young. The replacement flanker backed his own pace, put his head down and ran in unopposed to score the final try and win the game for the Steelmen. A brilliant kick by Lloyd from out wide added the extra two points.

FT: Swansea 24-31 Ebbw Vale

Whilst coach Strange will be happy with the five points from the game, he will no doubt be hoping his team put in an eighty-minute performance against Merthyr on Friday evening.

After the game we spoke to second row Dylan Bartlett. Dylan believed the team did not start from the off. They went 24-5 behind and made it difficult for themselves. However, he praised the squads work rate and was happy to grind out the win with a bonus point.

We then spoke to Ebbw Vale back’s coach Steve Lang. Steve acknowledged going in halftime the team needed a massive second half. The squad had spoken all week about making sure they stayed in the game and it is exactly what they did. He finished by praising the difference the replacements made and was pleased for the squad with the end result.

Finally, we caught up with Swansea backs coach James Hook. James was disappointed with the end result, especially after such a great first half for the home side. He was pleased with the tries his team scored, however, he felt the home side let Ebbw back into the game. He finished by praising the Ebbw Vale pack, who he felt were good but was frustrated to lose it at the end.

Ebbw gain a last gasp win

By Alex Kinsella-Evans

On a day when the weather could not decide what to do, a Kieran Meek drop goal with the final kick of the game wins the game for the Steelmen and moved them back up to fourth in the table.

From the kick-off the home side knocked the ball on. With the away side having a scrum in the Ebbw Vale half, the ball made its way to full back Ed Howley, who went over for the first try of the game in the opening minutes. Outside half Paul Short added the two points.

The Steelmen got back into the game after being awarded a penalty. Prolific outside half Evan Lloyd kicking the three points.

Bridgend’s second try of the game came when the forwards made inroads into the Ebbw twenty-two. After some quick passes within the backs, the ball made its way to full back Howley, who drew the home side’s winger in and put former Steelman Mike Powell in for the try within the first fifteen minutes. Fly half Short again added the extras.

The home side quickly hit back, where from a lineout in the Bridgend twenty-two, the ball made its way to Ebbw Vale flanker Joe Thomas, who scored his sides first try of the game. Fly half Lloyd successfully kicked the conversation.

Within 10 minutes the Steelmen scored their second try of the game. The Ebbw Vale forwards secured the lineout and a pass out by scrum half Jon Evans eventually made its way to centre Dom Franchi, who cleverly drew the defence and passed to prop Luke Garrett, who showed a turn of pace to score the try from just inside the Bridgend twenty-two. Lloyd again added the two points.

Ebbw nearly scored a further try when some quick and clever ball through the hands of the backs led to winger Morgan Richards going over in the corner. However, the assistant referee had raised his flag for a foot in touch.

With the referee penalising Ebbw Vale, the away side number ten Short added a further six points to the scoreboard going into the final minutes of the first half.

On the stroke of half time, the referee awarded the home side a penalty inside the Bridgend half. Flyhalf Lloyd successfully kicked the conversation to make it all square at half time.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale 20-20 Bridgend

The away side came out for the second half, much like the first half and took the play to Ebbw Vale. On the fifty first minute, Ebbw coach Jason Strange made a change and brought on prop Harry Drane, who replaced Adam Court.

With the away side on top inside the Ebbw twenty-two, a pass out to the wing was intercepted by speedster Morgan Richards, who ran the length of the field to score the Steelmen’s third try of the game. Lloyd added the two points.

The home side made a host of changes over the following 15 minutes when Lewis Young replaced the impressive Joe Thomas, Matthew Flanagan came onto the wing for try scorer Morgan Richards, Andrew Mann replaced the hard working Curtis Gregory, Morgan Thomas replaced the tough tackling Chad Thomas and Charley Kearns came on for try scorer Luke Garrett.

Bridgend scored their third try of the game when from continuous penalties and pressure inside the Steelmen’s twenty-two, the ball was passed out wide to winger Caine Woolerton to touch down in the corner. Replacement outside half Luke Price kicked the tricky conversation.

Ebbw made their last change of the game when hooker Alex Watkins replaced captain Rhys Francis inside the last ten minutes.

After a game of kick tennis, replacement winger Matthew Flanagan received the ball in his side’s twenty-two, only to be tackled high by the away side’s Reuben Tucker. Referee Jones, went straight to his pocket to show the Bridgend player a yellow card.

Inside the last five minutes of the game, a nasty looking injury to Bridgend’s Hemi Barnes led to a lengthy pause in play. Credit to both medical teams and Dr Thomas who were on the scene immediately.

With the game drawing to a close, the Steelmen forwards took the play to the opposition and made in roads into the away sides twenty-two. With the forwards going through the phases, the ball was passed to full back Kieran Meek in front of the posts, who kicked the drop goal to win the game in dramatic fashion for the home side.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale 30-27 Bridgend

Spirit of Wales distillery MOTM: Gethin Williams

After the game we spoke to team manager Dan Haymond. Reflecting on the game Dan thought it was a scrappy affair but believed Ebbw scored some nice tries in the first half. However, he believed the team were sloppy, gave a lot of ball away with individual errors and discipline cost the side. Dan was happy with the improvement made in the second half. He finished with wishing Hemi Barnes a speedy recovery after an unfortunate injury which slowed the game down due to the length of break. He praised the team for winning the game at the end with a drop goal.

We also spoke with scrum half Jon Evans. Jon was happy to have another win at home, especially as it was won in the last minute, which is something the team will never turn down. He acknowledged Ebbw still have room for improvement and the squad were aware it was not the best performance, however, it had been a similar picture all season. He continued by saying the team were not playing well but at home we`re edging out the victory`s which is moving Ebbw up the table. Jon ended saying there were some aspects of the game to work on but overall was happy with the way the game had gone.

Steelmen earn bonus point victory

By Alex Kinsella-Evans

Fifth place Ebbw Vale played bottom of the table Llanelli on a damp night at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium. A bonus point win took the steelmen to third in the table.

A youthful Llanelli side took the lead from a penalty within the first three minutes through outside half Gareth George.

The first try of the game came in the eighth minute from the Steelmen’s number nine Jon Evans. With the home side forwards starting to get on top, from a driving maul the scrum half superbly darted over the line from five metres out to touch down. Ebbw outside half Kieran Meek added the two points.

With both sides showing plenty of endeavour, the weather conditions were making it difficult to keep hold of the ball until on the twenty fifth minute the home sides number eight Chad Thomas made a good run and throwed a dummy pass to score in the corner for his sides second try of the game. Meek superbly slotted the conversation.

The away side were hampered further when impressive flanker and captain Iwan Shenton unfortunately had to leave the field during the half due to an injury.

The away side came back into the game and put some good phases together. However, the Steelmen’s defence held firm and no further points were added to the scoreboard in the first half.

Half Time Ebbw Vale 14 – Llanelli 3

The Ebbw forwards came out for the second half clearly fired up. After some excellent forward play, the ball made its way to in form outside centre Ethan Phillips, who ran a great line to score under the posts. Meek again successful with the conversation.

Inside the first fifteen minutes of the second half, the home scored their fourth try. Some quick precise passing from the backs led to the ball making it ways to winger Liam Lloyd, who on his debut went over in the corner to collect his teams bonus point. Meek added the two points.

With the home side pulling further away, coach Jason Strange started to ring the changes by bringing on Lewis Kinsella and Dave Whiting in the front row, Andrew Mann in the back row and Evan Lloyd and Matthew Flanagan at half backs. The impressive Kieran Meek being replaced on the fifty ninth minute.

Within two minutes of coming off the bench, replacement flyhalf and the leagues top point scorer Evan Lloyd run a lovely line to go over the try line unopposed to score his side’s fifth try of the game. Lloyd converting his own try.

After the home side cleared their bench by bringing on Alex Watkins at hooker, Morgan Thomas in the second row and Haydn Simons at full back, Llanelli second row Chris Long received a yellow card due to continuous offenses. However, the Steelmen were not able to add any further points onto the scoreboard.

Credit must go to Llanelli, who with a youthful squad were committed, never gave up and kept the scoreline from increasing further.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale 35-3 Llanelli

Spirit of Wales man of the match: Kieran Meek

We spoke to Llanelli captain Iwen Shenton. Iwen was disappointed with the result and was expecting a tough challenge from Ebbw Vale, which he felt they got. He could not fault his teams’ effort and felt they left everything out on the pitch but was not good enough on the night. They experienced a tough battle up front with a young pack and thought it was a good test for his team. One which fell short.

We caught up with Dom Franchi. Dom was happy to win the game after two defeats. He felt it was Important not to slip up and do their best to score as many points as possible to put the team in a good position to get into the top four. Talking about making one hundred appearances for the club, Dom was happy having been at the club for seven to eight years. He felt it had been a long time coming having had some injury`s but was happy to have represented the club so many times.

Finally, we spoke with head coach Jason Strange. Jason was really pleased with the five points and some individual performances, especially Ethan Phillips and Curtis Gregory who played his best performance for the club. Jason was pleased with the positive performance and collecting the bonus point win.

Llandovery take the four points

Match report by Alex Kinsella-Evans

Ebbw come away from Church Bank with a losing bonus point after an uncharacteristic performance from Jason Strange`s side.

Straight from the kick-off the home side were on the front foot after the Steelmen’s number eight Ryan Jenkins knocked the ball on to give the home side a scrum on Ebbw’s twenty-two. However, the passage of play came to nothing.

With numerous penalties being awarded to both sides, the Drovers took the lead through the boot of full back Jack Maynard, after they were awarded a penalty from the scrum with fifteen minutes gone.

The Steelmen hit back from a scrum in the home sides half, when the ball made its way to outside centre Ethan Phillips, who sliced through the home defence at pace to score a very well taken try. However, Lloyd missed the conversion.

With Llandovery having most of the ball, a neat chip over the top led to the home sides winger Aaron Warren beating the defence and diving on the ball to score the Drover’s first try of the game. Full back Maynard was unable to add the extra’s.

Ebbw were awarded a penalty midway through the half after a home side’s player knocked the ball on. Lloyd uncharacteristically sent the ball wide.

With the Drovers having the majority of the ball, no further points were added to the score during the remainder of the first half.

HT: Llandovery 8-5 Ebbw Vale

After the Steelmen made some early second half changes to the front row, Llandovery had a line out in the away side’s half. The forwards set up a maul, however, the Ebbw pack did well to hold the ball up and stop a try from being scored.

A second try of the game came for Llandovery, when the home side’s number four Griff Evans charged down a clearance kick from Ebbw scrum half Jon Evans inside the Steelmen’s twenty-two and dived on the ball over the line to score. Full back Maynard was unable to add the two points.

Within a few minutes the home side scored their third try of the game. A knock on by the away side led to the Drover’s chipping the ball out to their winger, who drew the full back and sent scrum half and captain Lee Rees in under the posts. Maynard added the extra’s.

After both sides made numerous changes, no further points were added to the scoreline until the last two minutes, where the Ebbw backs broke from their twenty-two and fed the ball to winger Morgan Richards, who showed a turn of pace and sprinted the length of the field to score under the posts. Replacement outside half Meek added the conversation.

In the last play of the game, the away side were on the Llandovery twenty-two when the referee awarded a penalty. Ebbw replacement Meek kept a cool head to slot the penalty with the last kick of the game.

FT: Llandovery 20-15 Ebbw Vale

After the game we spoke with try scorer Ethan Phillips who made his fiftieth appearance for the club. Ethan acknowledged Llandovery is a hard place to play rugby, the performance was not the best and too many mistakes were made. Ebbw could not keep hold of the ball until the last two minutes of the game where we started to put together some phase. The work rate was there, we are a hard-working team, however, the skill level let us down.

We also spoke to Geraint Lewis. Geraint was disappointed with the result and the performance. He knew that Llandovery is a hard place to come to, we did not give the best reflection of our selves and did not get our game going. He felt that we were fortunate to come away with a bonus point.

Ebbw Vale come away with the five points

Report by Alex Kinsella-Evans

The Steelmen came away from Llanelli with a bonus point victory in a game that was played in poor weather conditions.

Straight from the kick-off, former Llanelli player Ryan Jenkins knocked the ball on and an offside player gave a penalty away. However, the following play came to nothing.

With the home side on top and the game being played inside the Ebbw Vale half, Llanelli won a lineout. The home side forwards kept the ball before the ball made its way to centre Eddie James to score the home sides first try of the game. Josh Phillips successfully kicked the conversion.

From a scrum within the away sides half, the Steelmen’s outside half Kieran Meek put in a wonderful 50:22 kick against the wind, to put the away side inside the Llanelli twenty two. From the line out, Ebbw were awarded a scrum, which came to nothing.

With the away side forwards coming more into the game, the referee awarded a penalty due to the Llanelli forwards illegally attempting to stop the rolling maul. From which, the Steelmen’s number ten Meek kicked the ball into the home sides twenty two. Ebbw won the line out and from the resulting play, the referee awarded the home side’s inside centre Jack Price a yellow card for repeated infringements. However, the away side were unable to take advantage from the penalty.

With the play just inside the Llanelli half, the ball made its way to Ebbw Vale’s outside half Meek, who had great vision to put in a cross-field kick to speedster Ryan Davies in space. With plenty still to do, the young winger caught the ball on the bounce, put in a sidestep and sped past the covering defence to go over for a well taken try. Meek added the extra two points.

Mid way through the first half, Llanelli were awarded a penalty inside the away side’s twenty-two due to a player not rolling away from the ball. Josh Phillips added the three points.

The away side nearly added their second try of the game when winger Davies was fed the ball and ran down the wing, only to be denied by a hand in touch when being tackled going over the line. The resulting line out in the home twenty-two to the home side was not straight.

From the scrum the Steelmen’s forwards turned on the power and pushed the home side forwards back and former Llanelli number eight Ryan Jenkins dived on the ball over the line to score his side’s second try of the game. Meek added the extra’s.

With the home side gaining some ball, the referee awarded a penalty just outside the Ebbw Vale twenty-two. Llanelli full back Phillips again added the extra’s.

On the stroke of half time, from a line out, the ball made its way to Ebbw Vale’s Number eight Ryan Jenkins, who at pace burst through three tackles before being stopped illegally just outside the Llanelli twenty-two for a penalty to the Steelmen. Meek slotted the three points.

Half Time: Llanelli 13-17 Ebbw Vale

Inside the first five minutes of the second half, the home side gave away three consecutive penalties. The third from just outside the home twenty-two for a no arms tackle. Ebbw’s Meek added three points to the scoreboard.

The home side came straight back at the Steelmen and the referee awarded another penalty to Llanelli for ill-discipline. The home side’s Phillips added the three points.

From the restart, the Llanelli winger knocked the ball on. The away side won a free kick from the scrum and from a snipping run by scrum half Matthew Flanagan, the forwards were stopped just short of the try line. However, the referee awarded Ebbw a penalty in front of the posts, which the away side elected to take a scrum. From the base of the scrum, the ball was fed to outside centre Ethan Phillips, who darted between two defenders to go over the line to score a well taken try. Meek was unsuccessful with the conversation.

With the Llanelli forwards coming back into the game, a penalty was awarded to the home side and the Steelmen’s inside centre Dom Franchi received a yellow card for being offside. Phillips added the three points for the home side.

The Ebbw forwards won a scrum on the halfway line and the ball was fed to replacement outside half Evan Lloyd, who put in a wonderful cross-field 50:22 kick to gain the away side a line out in the Llanelli twenty-two. The away side won the line out and were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, with the Llanelli number eight Nathan Hart being yellow carded for being offside, to put both sides down to fourteen men. Replacement outside half Evan Lloyd slotted the penalty.

Some quick ball to the backs outside the Llanelli twenty-two resulted in full back Morgan Richards putting in a grubber kick which the covering defender took over the touch line. Quick thinking from the line out by Ebbw replacement scrum half Jon Evans, led to Harry Drane charging over for a bonus point try. Lloyd unfortunate to miss the conversation from the touch line.

Entering the last ten minutes of play, Ebbw Vale replacement prop Lewis Kinsella received a yellow card for throwing the ball away. With the home side camped inside the Ebbw twenty-two, the referee awarded a penalty. Llanelli chose to take the scrum and from open play the home side’s flanker Iwan Shenton dived over for the try. Phillips slotted the extra’s.

In the last moments of the game, Llanelli were caught offside just inside their twenty-two. Lloyd added the three points.

The Llanelli side battered at the home sides try line with the last play of the game. However, the Steelmen were resolute and kept them out to win the game.

Full Time: Llanelli 26-36 Ebbw Vale

Man Of The Match: Lewis Young

After the game we spoke to Ebbw Vale scrum coach Arron Coundley. Arron said the conditions played its part in making the game not much of a spectacle, especially in the second half. However, he was happy to come away by winning the game ugly than not at all. Aaron acknowledged the performance was not what was wanted but the team came away with the five points and was pleased with the progress the team has made since last season.

We also caught up with man of the match Lewis Young. Commenting on the game Lewis thought Llanelli made it tough for the Steelmen. He added the coaches highlighted the areas that required improvement during half time. He was aware there were areas of the game that need to be improved before playing against RGC next week but as a team they know what went wrong and what they have to put right.

Steelmen win a tough Gwent derby.

Ebbw Vale come out on top for the second time this season in the battle of the Gwent derby.

An early penalty for the home side by outside half Evan Lloyd hit the upright. Winger Carrick McDonough was unable to gather the rebound.

With the away side forwards coming more into the game, Newport fly half Will Reed slotted a penalty for the first points of the game.

Further penalties awarded to both sides came to nothing until the Steelmen’s prolific points scorer Lloyd kicked a penalty. No further points were added to the first half, making the game all square at half time.

Half Time: Ebbw Vale 3-3 Newport

Early in the second half Newport were handed a late Christmas present when a fortunate bounce of the ball from a clearance kick was touched in flight and resulted in the away side’s Ryan Woodman scoring the first try of the game. Outside half Reed was unable to add the extra’s.

With the home side seeing more of the ball, Ebbw were originally awarded a scrum and then a penalty, with the referee dishing out a yellow card to the Newport number four Craig Hudd.

Two penalties for the away side in the home twenty-two saw them initially decline the three points. However, after not being able to take advantage the referee awarded a further penalty, which Reed successfully converted to put the away side eight’s points ahead.

With the home side’s forwards applying pressure in the Newport twenty-two, a superb long miss pass by the home side’s number ten Evan Lloyd provided space for Lewis Young to put Morgan Richards in at the corner. Lloyd magnificently kicking the conversion from the touchline.

Further penalties to both sides came to nothing. However, with the home side in their own half, a smartly timed break by Lloyd from just outside the team’s twenty-two sees the Steelmen’s number ten show a clean pair of heels and pass the ball to speedster McDonough who shows a turn of pace to go over the line for a well worked try. Lloyd was unable to add the extras on this occasion.

From a ruck, a kick of the ball by the home side’s superb scrum half Jonathan Evans saw the ball roll over the try line. The covering Newport player passed the ball inside to a supporting player who dropped it and inside centre Dom Franchi was alert and dived on the ball to score the home side’s third try. Lloyd adding the extras.

In the closing minutes the referee awarded a penalty to Newport in the Steelmen’s half, which was kicked to the corner. From the resulting lineout the away sides forwards formed a rolling maul and crashed over for their second try of the game. Outside half Reed successfully adding the two points.

Full Time: Ebbw Vale 22-18 Newport

Distillery of Wales MOTM: Jonathan Evans

Speaking with Ebbw Vale head coach Jason Strange after the game, Jason was really pleased with the result. He said any win against Newport is a good result and without putting in the best performance, it was pleasing to find a way to win. He was happy that the team collected the four points, in what was an important game for his side.

Reflecting on the win, the home side`s co-captain Rhys Francis was pleased to get the win over Newport. Rhys thought the team struggled during the first half. Even though the scrum was dominant, the team were not able to obtain any first phase play and did not turn up in terms of the attack. However, Rhys believed the defence was really solid and that showed with the team’s character and resilience and the team dug deep to come away with the victory.

Rhys believed there is work to do with the lineout, If the team can get that right, the team can get some more first phase ball. The squad have been working on the more physical side of the game and it showed in the second half.

We also spoke to the Newport captain Matt O’Brien. Matt thought it was a really close game. The first half he felt the away side played ok. However, they did not get the rewards they deserved.

In the second half, Matt thought the team capitulated slightly, which resulted in a lot of errors. This played into Ebbw Vale`s hands and they capitalised on it.

Finally, Matt added he believed the team could not make the amount of errors they did and come out on the right side of the score board, they chased the game, tried to do a little bit too much, and the best side won on the day.

Ebbw Edge Sardis Nail Biter

By Alex Kinsella-Evans

Ebbw come away with the points after a hard fort battle at Sardis Road, where both sides had a player yellow carded.

Straight from the kick-off, Pontypridd were put under pressure as they were pushed back over their own goal line, which resulted in a goal-line dropout.

The first try of the game came through Ebbw Vale’s outside centre Ethan Phillips, with the Steelman’s number ten Evan Lloyd having a rare off day with the boot by missing the posts.

With the home side starting to get into the game, they were awarded a penalty due to Ebbw creeping offside. Ponty’s number ten Ben Burnell putting three points on the board for the home side.

The Steelmen were awarded a penalty from inside the Ponty 10 metre line. However, outside half Lloyd was unable to add the three points. A further attempt at goal from another penalty also sailed wide.

A second try for the away side came from a subtle kick through by Lloyd, which was collected by the Steelmen’s number fourteen Carrick McDonough who ran in at pace to score the try. Lloyd again unable to add the extra’s.

With the home side under increased pressure, from a scrum in the Pontypridd twenty-two, Ebbw’s winger McDonough cut a good line through the home defence, leaving a gap for former Ponty fullback Morgan Richards to crash over for the away side’s third try of the game. Lloyd adding the extras.

Ponty got back into the game on the stroke of half time after spending some time in the away side’s twenty-two. The home side were awarded a penalty after an infringement in the scrum, which was kicked to the corner. Pontypridd won the lineout; however, the maul was initially halted. Further good, combined play by the Ponty backs and forwards saw the home side number two Rob Jones crashing over for his side’s first try of the game. Burnell successfully kicking the conversation.

HT: Pontypridd 10 – 17 Ebbw Vale

With the home side in the ascendancy at the start of the second half, Ebbw fullback Richards was awarded a yellow card for a deliberate knock-on inside the Steelman’s twenty-two. From the resulting penalty, Ponty’s number two Jones scored his and the home sides second try. The home side’s number ten, Burnell unable to kick the conversion.

The referee awarded a penalty to the away side. A kick into Ponty’s twenty-two sees the Ebbw forwards form a maul that came to nothing.

With the Steelmen having more of the ball, the home side’s former Ebbw centre Jordan Howells was awarded a yellow card due to an infringement inside the home twenty-two. However, the passage of play led to no further points being added to the scoreboard.

With the game being played at a high pace, the referee awarded Pontypridd consecutive penalties inside the away side’s half. With both sides making changes, Ponty scored their third try of the game. Burnell adding the conversation.

The Steelmen were awarded a penalty inside the home side’s half. Outside half Lloyd slotting the penalty over to make it a two-point game.

With the game going into the last fifteen minutes, the referee awarded Ebbw two further penalty`s which Lloyd uncharacteristically missed. With only a few minutes left, the away side were provided a chance to win the game from a penalty awarded at a scrum. Replacement flyhalf Kieran Meek superbly slotted the penalty to provide the final points of the game.

The referee awarded the away side a penalty with the final kick of the game. However, Meek sent the ball wide of the posts.

FT: Pontypridd 22- 23 Ebbw Vale

After the game, Ebbw’s head coach Jason Strange was really pleased with his team’s performance in the first half and was delighted to secure the win. He was particularly pleased with how the team found a way to win. Whilst acknowledging there was room for improvement, Jason was happy with some of the things he saw out on the field. He also paid tribute to Pontypridd and thought they did well in the second half to come back into the game.

We also spoke with Ebbw’s joint captain Joe Franchi. Reflecting on the game, Joe was pleased with the team’s first half performance. He acknowledged it was disappointing to give away a try just before half time and thought in the second half, the team got the on the wrong side of the referee with ill-discipline. The substitutions who came on had a positive impact and helped get Ebbw back into the game. Joe was happy with replacement Keirin Meek, who slotted over the penalty to win the game. Finally, Joe was happy the boys managed to hold out especially as Sardis Road is never an easy place to come to and was looking forward to the Merthyr game next week.

Ebbw earn a bonus point win

The Steelmen forwards put in a good shift to enable the backs to score some scorching tries.

From the kick-off Carmarthen looked sharp until the scrum, where Ebbw stole the ball. The home side won a penalty, which they kicked to the corner. From the lineout the Steelman’s number four Dylan Bartlett went over for the try. The home side’s Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

The away side won a pe