Merthyr Match Report – Merthyr 24-26 Ebbw Vale

Merthyr 24-26 Ebbw Vale

Ebbw got their Indigo Group Welsh Premiership Cup campaign underway with a victory on the road against Merthyr at The Wern on Saturday afternoon.

The Steelmen blew the three-time Welsh Premiership winners out of the water in a fantastic first-half display with a try in the 37th minute from scrum-half Matthew Flanagan and eleven points from the boot of fly-half Lewis K Williams. Leading 3-16 at the break.

However, in the second half, Dale ‘Chief’ McIntosh’s men fought back to take the lead from Ebbw twice before Williams landed a late penalty to secure a vital win.

Tighthead prop Dave Whiting was voted Ebbw Addicts Man of the Match after a monster performance in defence, attack and in set piece.

Head Coach Greg Woods commented; I was really pleased with the performance and the result from Saturday. The first half control and physicality we showed against a side like Merthyr was excellent. We should have scored more points in that 1st half as we always knew Merthyr would fire some shots of their own. It was an intense last 5 mins and it was so pleasing to see Lewis K Williams slot over that last kick. The players spoke a lot in the week about getting the job done for our supporters and that and determination came through in bucket loads. We will regroup again and get ready for another huge encounter this Saturday versus Pontypridd.”.

Ebbw return to Eugene Cross Park this weekend where they will welcome Pontypridd, who also won their opening game of the Welsh Premiership Cup last weekend against Newport. The game marks the return of competitive rugby for Ebbw at home for the first time in 18 months.

Highlights here https://youtu.be/tkCqxeL3nyw