Ebbw edged out the Quins in a tense, hard fought cup tie at Carmarthen Park. Rhys Jones’s early penalty was cancelled out by one from Aled Thomas, before Ebbw’s superior scrummaging earned a penalty try. The Quins bounced back again and Ossian Knott’s try was converted by Thomas to level at 10 apiece. Ebbw put the home defence under pressure and a well timed run by Lewis Young saw him burst through and run in a try from 20 metres which Rhys Jones improved. Thomas got 3 back for Carmarthen with the last kick off the half and his two successful efforts after the break put his team ahead, 19-17 with 10 minutes to go. Supporters’ shouts of frustration at some of the referee’s decisions should have been tempered by understanding that he was completely on his own – a far cry from our accustomed situation this season, with assistant referees running the line and a TMO to analyse any marginal calls! With 5 minutes left, Carmarthen were penalised but it was close to the touchline and certainly didn’t offer an easy attempt – unless your name is Rhys Jones! His left footed effort bisected the uprights and sent the Steelmen through to round 2. “Never in doubt,” said one Ebbw supporter. “The boys just know we enjoy a bit of excitement!”

15 Dan Haymond
14 Steffan Thomas
13 Carl Meyer
12 James Lewis
11 Toby Fricker
10 Rhys Jones
9 Dai Jones
8 Lewis Young
7 Lloyd Evans
6 Cameron Regan
5 Ashley Sweet (c)
4 Rhys Clarke
3 Rob Sevenoaks
2 Rhys Francis
1 Ross Jones

16 Joe Franchi
17 Luke Garrett
18 Curtis Hicks
19 Kristian Parker
20 Owen Young
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Luke Shore
23 Sam Ireland