Ebbw Vale took the lead with a 23rd minute penalty from Rhys Jones after a cagey first quarter of probing and testing by both sides. Newport nudged in front five minutes later when Jonny Morris touched down wide out and Matt O’Brien defied the swirling wind to convert. He added a penalty on the stroke of half time and Ebbw, despite enjoying more possession and equal territory, found themselves 10-3 down.

With the wind and rain at their backs, Newport took control in the second half and tries came from Harri Lang and Geraint O’Driscoll. Ebbw tried hard but couldn’t sustain possession or momentum as Newport spoiled almost every Steelmen lineout. When Ebbw did get a drive going, the try that looked sure to come went begging as the ball was lost in the maul.

After great performances in the draw at Llandovery and the win over Pontypridd, this was a disappointing night for Ebbw’s players, coaches and supporters. The next two games against the top two sides will give the squad perfect opportunities to put things right.

15 Dan Haymond
14 Mike Powell
13 Ryan Evans
12 Dom Franchi
11 Aaron Grabham
10 Rhys Jones
9 Dai Jones
8 Lewis Young
7 Dawid Rubasniak
6 Dan Hill
5 Ashley Sweet (capt)
4 Corey Talbot
3 Rob Sevenoaks
2 Dave Whiting
1 Luke Garrett

16 Mikel Blake
17 Joel Harries
18 Ross Jones
19 Max Ayling
20 Harry Harding
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Ethan Phillips
23 Dafydd Thomas