Pontypridd Match Report

Ebbw feel the ‘Pain’

Ebbw succumbed to their fifth successive defeat in the Indigo Group Premiership Cup, falling foul to a 31-3 drubbing at the aptly named ‘Stadium of Pain.’

It was always destined to be one of those days when fly half Lewis K Williams pulled up injured in the warm-up and a charge down try in less than 20 seconds kicked us off. Despite huge possession, Ponty couldn’t find their way past for the rest of competitive first half, only three more points adding to the host tally before the break.

A quick exchange of penalties early in the second half gave the vocal travelling support hope of a comeback, but those three points were the last chalked up on the ‘visitors’ side of the chalkboard.

Tries from Llywarch ap Myrddin, Dale Stuckey’s second and the ever-popular penalty try took the game away from the Steelmen and gave Ponty their bonus point. With Richard Powell and Dom Franchi also taking knocks, the latter looking a major concern for the rest of the cup season, the afternoon soon grew weary. 

Ebbw’s lineout was much better than previous weeks, but the scrum crumbled under pressure, leading to the second Stuckey try – which may I add was a superbly worked training ground move, executed perfectly by Ponty. 

Despite the loss, Greg Woods remains positive that they can turn it around and will use this as a growing point for league seasons ahead. “We were up against it depth-wise in the squad, but I was pleased at half time. We were in the game against the wind, brought Richard Powell on to play the kicking game, got to 8-3, then he has a bump and it unravelled from there. 

“The set piece was better, and the back row were superb, but it’s a tough one to swallow. We’ve got to get better and go again in six days’ time against Cardiff.”

“We’ve got a huge challenge coming in six days’ time, we lost some more boys today, but we’ve got to go again. Losing our vice-captain, we’ve got to decide who leads the side over the next few weeks.” 

Unfortunately, the loss, combined with an RGC win over Merthyr sees the Steelmen drop the foot of the table.

Get to Cardiff on Friday and let’s back the boys, make some noise and #FEELTHESTEEL!!!