Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
RGC V Ebbw Vale RFC
The Steelmen travel to North Wales to face RGC in the last fixture of block 2 of Super Rygbi Cymru having beaten Pontypool RFC 34 – 3 in their previous match.
The Steelmen will be looking to maintain their position at the top of Super Rygbi Cymru with victory at Parc Eirias having won the corresponding fixture last season by 35 – 14.
The two teams met earlier in the season at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium with Ebbw Vale RFC winning by 31 points to 16.
Jason Strange has made a number of changes to the Steelmen squad for the trip to North Wales. Ryan Gardner comes into the starting XV on the wing while Ieuan Evans returns on the bench.
The full Ebbw Vale team is as follows:
15 Matt Jones 14 Ryan Gardner 13 Cameron Davies 12 Dom Franchi 11 Hamish Anderson 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1 Morgan Davies 2 Joe Franchi (c) 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris, 17 Luke Garrett 18 Adam Court 19 Lewis Young 20 Ben Main 21 Gruff Tough 22 Morgan Richards 23 Ieuan Evans
Please note the change to the kick off time
RGC V EBBW VALE RFC
Saturday 4th January
PARC EIRIAS
Kick Off 3.00pm
Ebbw Addicts Travel
Saturday 4th January
The Welfare will be open from 8.00am for breakfast rolls and refreshments before leaving for North Wales at 9.00am.
Sunday 5th January
Bus is expected back at the Welfare for 5pm having stopped off in Hereford for lunch
Steelmen Return to Winning Ways
Ebbw made amends for last weeks defeat and collected six points in the reverse fixture against Pontypool, in a game that was played in front of a large crowd.
The home side came out with the grit between their teeth. From a lineout inside the Pooler half, the ball made its way to number eight Ryan Jenkins, who powered over to score an early opening try. Outside half Evan was successful with the conversion.
The visitors scored their only points of the afternoon when former Steelman fly half Kieran Meek kicked a penalty from inside the hosts half.
Ebbw Vale soon extended their lead. From a lineout inside the Pontypool half, the forwards set up a rolling maul, which finished with captain Joe Franchi crashing over to score his sides second try of the afternoon. However, on this occasion Lloyd was unable to add the extras.
Towards the end of the first half the hosts were reduced to fourteen men for ten minutes, when referee Ben Breakspear sent second row Dylan Bartlett to the sin bin.
Despite the best efforts of both sides, no further points were added to the scoreboard.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 12 Pontypool RFC 3
Within ten minutes of the second half, Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange replaced props Morgan Davies and Adam Williams with Luke Garrett and Adam Court. Prop Court marked his fiftieth appearance from the bench.
The try of the afternoon came shortly into the second half. A fantastic break by centre Cameron Davies from his own twenty-two, saw the centre make a huge amount of ground. With the ball in the away side’s half, the ball made its way out to winger Harry Rees-Weldon, who rounded off a great break to score in the corner. Lloyd was unable to add the extras.
With his team on the back foot, Pooler hooker Sam Scarfe was shown a yellow card by referee Breakspear and sent to the sin bin for ten minutes.
Another Ebbw Vale change by coach Strange saw hooker Joe Franchi be replaced by Ieuan Morris.
With the Ebbw forwards not letting up, from a scrum in the visitors twenty-two, an all mity push by the Steelmen’s eight saw referee Breakspear left with no alternative but to go under the posts and award a penalty try to the hosts.
Further changes by the home side saw Hamish Anderson, Sion Parry, Ryan Jenkins, Rory Harries and Matt Jones be replaced by Ryan Gardner, Lewis Young, Ben Main, Morgan Richards and Gruffydd Tough all within minutes of each other.
With the majority of the game being played in the Pontypool half, the ball found its way to Ebbw outside half Lloyd just inside the away side’s half. Scanning what was in front of him, the number ten sent an excellent long range drop goal through the middle of the posts to add an extra three points to his team’s tally.
With the game coming towards a close, a huge penalty kick from inside the Ebbw Vale half saw Lloyd put the hosts on the Pooler five-yard line. From the lineout a rolling maul finished with replacement Ieuan Morris crashing over the try line for the home sides fifth try of the afternoon. Lloyd kicked the conversion.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 34 Pontypool RFC 3
Tries: Ryan Jenkins (1), Joe Franchi (1), Harry Rees-Weldon (1), Penalty try (1), Ieuan Morris (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (2)
Drop Goal: Evan Lloyd (1)
Pictures courtesy of Ebbw Players
After the game we spoke with prop Adam Williams. Adam was happy with the team’s performance. Adam thought it was a good response to last week’s defeat against Pontypool and he acknowledged the team wanted to make amends for last week’s game.
The Steelmen’s next game is away to RGC at Eirias Stadium on Saturday 4 January 2025, with kick off of 3.00pm
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
The Steelmen face Pontypool RFC on Saturday in the 2nd of the Derby Days in Super Rygbi Cymru. The game will see the Steelmen look to bounce back after their defeat at Pontypool Park last weekend by 23 -16. The game will also see the Steelmen defend the SRC Challengers Shield for the 3rd time.
In the corresponding fixture last season, the Steelmen beat Pontypool by 16-10 at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.
Jason Strange makes several changes to the starting XV for this weekend’s game. There are 2 changes in the pack with Morgan Davies and Adam Williams starting in the front row. Evan Lloyd returns to the team at 10 after injury led to him having to pull out of last weekend’s fixture.
Adam Court will also be looking to make his 50th appearance for the Steelmen on Saturday,
Replacements will be named before kick-off.
The starting XV is as follows:
15 Matt Jones 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Cameron Davies 12 Dom Franchi 11 Hamish Anderson 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1 Morgan Davies 2 Joe Franchi (C) 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements
To Be Confirmed…
Match Day Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v Pontypool RFC
Saturday 28th December
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Kick off 2.30pm
Admission
Full Price: £14
Concession: £10
Tickets can be bought online at the following link: https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/28th-december-pontypool/
Tickets can also be purchased at the ground on match day. They can be purchased with either cash or card.
RGC Trip (4th/5th January 2025)
Reminder to those supporters travelling with the Addicts to RGC next weekend. the remaining balance for the bus needs to be paid this week before travel.
This can be paid by cash in the club shop or by bank transfer to the Ebbw Addicts account. (see Angharad and Sharon in the club shop at tomorrow’s game)
#FeelTheSteel
Steve Lang Takes up New Head Coach Role
The club wish to announce that Steve Lang has left the Steelmen to take up a new role as Head Coach of Brynmawr RFC.
Steve has played an important part in the club’s success over the last few seasons working alongside Jason Strange as Assistant Coach and everyone at the club wishes him the best of luck as he takes on his new role at Brynmawr.
Jason Strange commented, “I would personally like to thank Steve for his commitment and support as part of the coaching setup at Ebbw Vale over the past few seasons. We as a club are all about development of our players and coaches and joining Brynmawr provides Steve with the perfect opportunity to develop his own skills as a head coach and leader. We look forward to working closely with Steve and Brynmawr Rugby Club in the future.”
#FeelTheSteel
Welcome Gruff!
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of Gruffydd Tough from Glamorgan Wanderers.
Gruff who attended Millfield School mainly plays as a scrum half but can also play at outside half where he made his debut for the Steelmen against Pontypool RFC last weekend.
On joining the Steelmen, Gruff commented, “I am very proud to have joined such a great club. The players, coaches and staff at the club have been very welcoming to me from the start. I’m now excited to show what I can do on the pitch and hopefully play my part in a successful first season.”
#FeelTheSteel
Pictures courtesy of Ebbw Players
Ebbw Lose Away From Home
Ebbw Vale’s unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday at Pontypool Park. An injury to top points scorer Evan Lloyd saw the away side make a late change to their starting fifteen, with coach Jason Strange handing a debut to new signing Gruffydd Tough.
The first half started quite brightly for the Steelmen, with the visitors spending time on the front foot inside the Pontypool half. Their territory was rewarded when debutant Tough slotted a penalty from inside the hosts half.
However, Pontypool soon struck back. A fine break by scrum half Morgan Lloyd, saw the young number nine offload to the supporting runner Pat Lewis, who went over for the first try of the afternoon. Ex Steelman Kieran Meek added the extras.
With the ball staying within the forwards, referee Rhys Jones awarded the visitors a penalty. Fly half Tough put the Steelmen into the Pooler twenty-two. From the lineout, the Ebbw forward’s set up a maul, which ended with hooker Joe Franchi adding to his tries for the season. On this occasion Tough was unsuccessful with the conversion.
Outside half Tough extended Ebbw’s lead to four points from a penalty after referee Jones penalised the home side.
Half Time: Pontypool RFC 7 Ebbw Vale RFC 11
The first try of the second half came to the home side when from a lineout inside the Steelmen’s twenty-two, number eight Morgan Allen went over the try line to put his team back in front. Fly half Meek was unable to add the extras.
Moments later, the hosts extended their lead further. A kick up the line saw the home side’s full back Lewis speed through and touch down the ball unopposed. Meek again was unsuccessful with kicking the conversion.
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange started to make the changes. Replacement props Morgan Davies and Adam Williams came on for Luke Garrett and Adam Court.
The home side made their second half dominance pay, when number ten Meek kicked a huge penalty from just inside the opposition’s half, to put Pontypool over one score ahead.
Further changes by coach Strange, saw Joe Franchi, Jack Pope and minutes later Ryan Jenkins be replaced by Ieuan Morris, Ewan McIntyre and Lewis Young.
Another penalty by Pooler flyhalf Meek saw, the number ten extend his teams lead to twelve points.
Straight from the kick off, a charge down from a Pontypool ruck by centre Dom Franchi, saw the experienced centre chase the ball down, to score Ebbw`s second try of the afternoon and secure a losing bonus point for the Steelmen. Tough was unsuccessful with the conversion.
Despite the efforts of both sides, no further points were added to the scoreboard.
Full Time: Pontypool RFC 23 Ebbw Vale RFC 16
Scorers
Tries: Joe Franchi (1), Dom Franchi (1)
Penalties: Gruffydd Tough (2)
Pictures courtesy of Ebbw Players
Ebbw Vale’s next game is the reverse fixture against Pontypool RFC at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Saturday 28th December 2024, with kick off at 2:30pm, where the SRC Challenger Shield will be on the line.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
The Steelmen travel to Pontypool Park this Saturday to face Pontypool RFC in the next round of Super Rygbi Cymru. The game will see the Steelmen look to win their 8th game in a row having beaten Cardiff RFC last weekend to move into top spot in the SRC Trophy.
Ebbw Vale with face Pontypool RFC over the next two weekends with the return fixture being played at the CINER CLASS Community Stadium on Saturday 28th December.
Last season, each side won once game in the Premiership with Pontypool RFC winning 25-20 at Pontypool Park live on S4C Clic.
Jason Strange makes several changes to the starting XV for this weekend’s game. There are 2 changes in the pack with Luke Garrett and Adam Court starting in the front row. Harry Rees-Weldon returns on the wing having scored for Wales U20s against Scotland last weekend. Hamish Anderson moves to 11 replacing Ewan Bowden who came off injured last weekend against Cardiff RFC
Replacements will be named before kick-off on Saturday.
The starting XV is as follows:
15 Matt Jones 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Cameron Davies 12 Dom Franchi 11 Hamish Anderson 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi(C) 3 Adam Court 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements
To Be Confirmed…
Match Day Information
Pontypool RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
Saturday 21st December
Pontypool Park
Kick off 2.30pm
Admission
Please note that admission is by card payment ONLY.
Tickets can only be purchased at the ground on match day.
EA Travel
The Supporters Bus will be leaving the Welfare at 1.00pm. It is the supporters annual Christmas Jumper Away Day.
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Go Top
The Steelmen provided a stirring second half performance to keep hold of the SRC Challenger Shield and move top of the league, after a game of two halves.
After early pressure by the home side, an interception on the Cardiff twenty-two by away winger Edmund Anya, saw the winger run the length of the field unopposed to score the games opening try. Number ten Fraser Jones added the two points.
Within five minutes the Rags scored their second try of the afternoon. Good forward play by the visitors, was rewarded by hooker Alun Rees crossing the line. Jones again added the extras.
The away side extended their lead further when referee Ben Connor awarded Cardiff a penalty inside the Ebbw half. Jones sending the kick through the middle of the posts to extend the lead to seventeen points.
The hosts soon got back into the game. Good play by the forwards saw the ball end up in the hands of centre Cameron Davies. With a lot to do, the young centre showed strength to go over the line close to the touchline, despite the efforts of the covering Rags defence. The club’s top points scorer Evan Lloyd was successful with the conversion.
Despite the best efforts of both sides, no further points were added to the scoreboard during the half.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 7 Cardiff RFC 17
The home side were forced into a change at half time. Winger Ewan Bowden was replaced by Ieuan Evans, due to injury.
Further changes by Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange saw props Luke Garrett and Adam Court replace Morgan Davies and Adam Williams.
The try of the afternoon came within thirteen minutes of the second half. With the ball on the Ebbw twenty-two, an excellent break by young centre Cameron Davies, saw the Steelman draw the defence and pass to the supporting Rory Harries inside the away side’s half. With defenders closing, the scrum half passed to number eight Ryan Jenkins, who from around the visitors twenty-two, showed his pace to go over under the posts for an excellent team try. Lloyd again added the two points to reduce the deficit to three points.
Within five minutes, Ebbw took the lead for the first time during the afternoon. With the forwards on top, a dominant scrum ended with number eight Jenkins showing his strength to go over the try line, despite the Rags best efforts. However, on this occasion, Lloyd was unable to add the extras.
On the hour mark, Cardiff were reduced to fourteen men, when after a clearing kick, replacement Jarred Williams put in a late hit on outside half Lloyd, which left referee Connor with no other option but to send Williams to the sin bin for ten minutes.
The Steelmen made the most of their numerical advantage with Lloyd adding three points from the tee after referee Connor awarded the home side a penalty.
Moments later, the away side made it a two-point game when Fraser Jones again sent the ball through the uprights after Cardiff were awarded a penalty by referee Connor.
Ebbw Vale coach Strange replaced captain Joe Franchi with Ieuan Morris. Within minutes the home side extended their lead back to five points when Lloyd was again successful with the penalty.
Further changes by Ebbw Vale saw flanker Sion Parry and number eight Ryan Jenkins be replaced by Ben Main and Lewis Young.
Deep into injury time, the Steelmen scored their bonus point try. After sustained pressure by Ebbw Vale in the visitor`s twenty-two, the ball made its way out towards outside half Lloyd, who with a two man overlap decided to go himself and score, despite being tackled by the covering defence. Lloyd added the two points with the final kick of the game.
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange will be happy to come away with five points against the then league leaders. Plans now turn to the Gwent derby double header against Pontypool RFC over the Christmas season.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 32 Cardiff RFC 20
Ebbw Vale MOTM: Cameron Davies
Scorers
Tries: Cameron Davies (1), Ryan Jenkins (2), Evan Lloyd (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3) Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)
Congratulations to Morgan Davies for making his 50th appearance for the Steelmen
After the game, we spoke with flanker Sion Parry. Sion was happy with the outcome of the game, although he was frustrated with how the first thirty minutes had panned out, feeling that some calls were going against the team, especially at set piece. However, Sion praised the team for sticking in there and to the game plan and it ended with a worthwhile victory and the team collecting the five points against a good side.
Next up for the Steelmen is the first of a double header away to Pontypool on Saturday 21 December 2024, with kick off at 2:30pm at Pontypool Park.
Pictures courtesy of Ebbw Players
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
The Steelmen return to action on Saturday in the top of the table clash against Cardiff RFC. The Steelmen’s only defeat of the season came at the Arms Park in Round 2 of Super Rygbi Cymru where Cardiff RFC came out victors by 29-12
The match sees the Steelmen looking to record their 7th victory in a row in Super Rygbi Cymru having remained unbeaten since Round 2.
The match will also see the Steelmen defend the SRC Challengers Shield for the second time.
The match sees Morgan Davies make his 50th appearance for the Steelmen in the front row.
Hamish Anderson returns to the starting lineup on the wing replacing Harry Rees-Weldon who is currently involved in the Wales U20s setup.
Replacements will be announced before kick-off.
Full starting XV:
- Matt James 14. Hamish Anderson 13. Cameron Davies 12. Dom Franchi 11. Ewan Bowden 10. Evan Lloyd 9. Rory Harries 1 Morgan Davies 2. Joe Franchi (C) 3. Adam Williams 4. Dylan Bartlett 5. Curtis Gregory 6. Jack Pope 7. Sion Parry 8. Ryan Jenkins
Replacements: TBC
Match INFORMATION
Ebbw Vale RFC v Cardiff RFC
Saturday 14th December
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Kick off 2.30pm
Sat Nav Postcode: NP23 5AZ
Admission Prices
FULL: £14
CONCESSION: £10
Please note there are no online ticket purchases for this match, however both card and cash payments will be able to be taken at the game.
Club Merchandise
The club merchandise has arrived and will be available to purchase from the club shop from 12.00pm tomorrow (Saturday 14th December)
There is a large assortment of items to be purchased including replica shirts, hoodies, t-shirts and bobble hats.
Ebbw Take a Gripping Victory at St Helens
Ebbw Vale come away from a gusty St Helens with six points in a game where the forwards laid the platform for a dominant performance.
From the kick-off Ebbw Vale had a scrum from a Swansea knock on. From the set piece the referee awarded Ebbw Vale a penalty. After multiple lineouts in the Swansea half, Ebbw Vale scored their first try of the afternoon when hooker Ieuan Morris crashed over the line from the all too familiar rolling maul. Evan Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.
After having some play in the Ebbw Vale half, Flyhalf Josh Philips scored his sides first points of the game from a penalty.
Ebbw Vale hooker Morris scored his second try of the afternoon, again from the rolling maul. Flyhalf Lloyd successfully added the two points.
The All Whites were reduced to fourteen men when number eight Dan Gemine was shown a yellow card for ill-discipline.
With the visitor’s forwards being dominant in the scrum, scrum half Rory Harries touched down from the back of the scrum to score the away side`s third try of the game. Outside half Lloyd was successful with the conversion.
After spending some time with the ball in the Ebbw Vale half, from a lineout inside the Steelmen`s twenty-two saw home hooker Jamie Cox finish off the move to score his side`s first try. Philips added the extras.
Further ill-discipline by the home sides second row Ben Roberts saw him get yellow carded and his side again reduced to fourteen men.
With the forwards having the grit between their teeth, a huge push by the Ebbw pack saw number eight Ryan Jenkins touch the ball down at the base of the scrum for Ebbw Vale`s bonus point try. Lloyd kicked the conversion to extend his team’s lead going into half time.
Halftime: Swansea RFC 10 Ebbw Vale RFC 26
During halftime, Ebbw coach Jason Strange replaced double try scorer Ieuan Morris with Captain Joe Franchi. Further changes moments later by coach Strange, saw props Luke Garrett, Adam Court and Flanker Cameron Regan be replaced by Adam Williams, Morgan Davies and Curtis Gregory.
A third yellow card to the home side saw flanker Geraint Powell spend ten minutes in the sin bin.
Despite the changes, the Ebbw Vale pack remained dominant and after going through the phases in the home sides twenty-two, from the final pick and go Jack Pope crossed the line to score the Steelmen`s fifth try. Lloyd added the extras.
Ebbw Vale`s number eight Ryan Jenkins was then replaced by Lewis Young on approximately the hour mark. Moments later scrumhalf Rory Harries was replaced by Dan Buffrey.
Mid-way through the second half both teams were reduced to fourteen men when Ebbw Vale`s second row Dylan Bartlett and the All-Whites number eighteen Ellis Fackrell were both shown the yellow card for an altercation off the ball.
After spending some time in the Swansea half, the away side`s centre Cameron Davies showed his speed to chop through the defence and score Ebbw’s sixth try of the afternoon. Lloyd kicked the conversion successfully.
Ebbw`s final changes saw Morgan Richards come on to replace number ten Evan Lloyd and Ieaun Evans came on for try scorer Cameron Davies.
With the game becoming disjointed after so many substitutes, Swansea spent time in the Ebbw vale half. From a lineout in the Ebbw twenty-two Swansea scored their second try, when replacement Tom Edwards went over unopposed. Philips was unsuccessful with his conversion attempt.
Playing with confidence the hosts applied pressure to the Steelmen`s line only to be stopped by illegal play. The away side`s Jack Pope spent the remainder of the game in the sin bin.
Credit to Swansea for never giving up. With the final play of the game, the All Whites stretched the visitors defence and scored their third try out wide. Philips`s attempt drifted wide of the posts with the final kick of the game.
Full time: Swansea RFC 20 Ebbw Vale RFC 40
Tries: Ieuan Morris (2), Rory Harries (1), Cameron Davies (1), Ryan Jenkins (1), Jack Pope (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (5)
After the game we spoke to second row Jack Pope. Jack thought it was a very entertaining game and was happy to come away with the win, after travelling down to St Helens. Jack said the team knew they had to challenge Swansea up front, in the lineouts and scrums, which is what they did.
Picture Courtesy of Ebbw Players
Ebbw Vale`s next game is away to Aberavon RFC at The Talbot Athletic Ground on Saturday 7th December 2024. with kick off at 2:30pm
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
After the arrival of Storm Bert stopped the Gwent Derby against Newport RFC from taking place last weekend, the Steelmen finally return to action following the International break with a visit to Swansea RFC.
The match sees the Steelmen looking to record their 6th victory in a row in Super Rygbi Cymru having picked up 6 points in their last outing in a 39 -11 victory against Carmarthen Quins in October.
Ebbw Vale completed the double over Swansea last season, winning 24-17 at St Helens.
The match also sees the return of Cameron Regan to the Steelmen squad following injury.
Jason Strange has made a number of changes to the starting XV.
There is a complete change in the front row with Luke Garrett, Ieuan Morris and Adam Court coming into the starting XV. Jake Pope moves into the 2nd row with Cameron Regan replacing Jack at 6. Ryan Jenkins also returns to the starting lineup at no.8. Dom Franchi will captain the team.
Full starting XV:
- Matt James 14. Harry Rees-Weldon 13. Cameron Davies 12. Dom Franchi (CAPT) 11. Ewan Bowden 10. Evan Lloyd 9. Rory Harries
1.Luke Garrett 2. Ieuan Morris 3. Adam Court 4. Dylan Bartlett 5. Jake Pope 6. Cameron Regan 7. Ben Main 8. Ryan Jenkins
Replacements: TBC
Match INFORMATION
Swansea RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
Saturday 30th November
St Helens
Kick Off 2.30 pm
Admission Prices
Below are the admission prices for the match. Tickets can be purchased from the Swansea website
FULL PRICE – £12
Over 65’s – £10
Under 16’s – FREE
Ebbw Addicts Travel
The Addicts will be providing transport to Swansea on Saturday. They will be leaving the Welfare at 12.00pm and returning from Swansea at 5.30pm
For those travelling to the match:
Swansea Rugby Club, 1 Bryn Road, Brynmill, Swansea, SA2 0AR
Here is a poster of merchandise that will be on sale shortly at the club shop.
Items include: home and away replica shirts, team polos and t-shirts and club rucksacks.
More details, including full price list to follow shortly…
Follow club social media for more information..
The fixtures for the group stages of the SRC Cup have been released. There are 5 dates during the group stages with each team having one bye week during the competition
The Steelmen have been drawn in a group with Gwent rivals Newport RFC and Pontypool RFC, as well as West Wales sides Carmarthen Quins and Swansea RFC.
The Group stages start at the end of January and finish in the middle of March. The full list of fixtures are:
25th January – Carmarthen Quins (H)
15th February – Pontypool RFC (A)
1st March – Newport RFC (H)
15th March – Swansea RFC (A)
The Steelmen have a bye week on Saturday 1st February.
#FeelTheSteel #UpForTheCup
Ebbw win down West
The Steelmen provided a storming second half performance to come away from Carmarthen Park with six points for the third game in a row, after playing in the autumn sun at Carmarthen.
Facing into the wind, the away side made their intentions clear from the start. Having lots of possession and territory in the Quins half, the visitors were unable to cross the line after good defence by the hosts.
The first points of the afternoon came to the visitors when fly half Evan Lloyd successfully kicked a penalty to put Ebbw Vale three points to the good.
However, the home side quickly hit back. The Steelmen were unable to collect a kick from deep inside the Quins half, and winger Louis Rees took the opportunity to race clear and touch the ball down over the line. Home outside half Aled Thomas was unable to add the two points.
Ebbw Vale`s head coach Jason Strange was forced into a first half substitution when prop Morgan Williams left the field injured to be replaced by Luke Garrett.
With the away side having lots of the ball, good defence by Carmarthen ended with referee Mike English awarding the away side a penalty. Number ten Lloyd successfully added the three points to put his team in the lead by one point.
On the stroke of half time, a penalty by the Quins fly half Thomas, saw the home side go into the break two points in the lead.
Half Time: Carmarthen Quins RFC 8 Ebbw Vale RFC 6
The away side came out for the second half with the wind behind their backs. With Lloyd putting Ebbw Vale inside the Carmarthen twenty-two from a penalty, referee English awarded Ebbw a penalty try after the maul was collapsed by the try line. English also showed Carmarthen prop James Newnian a yellow card.
Ebbw Vale replacement prop Adam Court came on for Adam Williams shortly afterwards.
However, the away sides numerical advantage was to be short lived when referee English showed the Steelmen’s number eight Sion Parry a yellow card to reduce both sides to fourteen men. The home side’s fly half Thomas took advantage and kicked three points to reduce the deficit to two points.
With the Ebbw forwards building up a head of steam, referee English showed Carmarthen replacement prop Lewis Jones a yellow card for il- discipline.
After kicking to the corner from the resulting penalty, the forwards set up a maul. With the backs joining hooker Joe Franchi dived over the line to score Ebbw’s second try of the afternoon. Top points scorer Lloyd added the extras.
However, Franchi’s afternoon was to be cut short when coach Strange replaced the captain with Ieuan Morris.
The substitute was about to make his mark, when from another driving maul inside the Carmarthen twenty-two, Morris finished the move off by touching the ball down over the line. Lloyd again kicked the conversion.
With the away side pulling further ahead, Ebbw replaced flanker’s Jack Pope and Ben Main with Ewan McIntyre and Kobi Rees and shortly after Morgan Richards and Ieuan Evans came on for Matt Jones and Ewan Bowden.
With the Steelmen’s forwards putting the hosts defence under pressure, another driving maul from a lineout inside the Carmarthen twenty-two saw replacement Morris crossed for his second try of the game and the away side’s fourth. Lloyd added the extra two points.
The final substitution of the afternoon for the visitor’s saw scrum half Rory Harries be replaced by Dan Buffery, who came on to make his league debut.
The final try of the afternoon came from the final play of the game. After setting up another unstoppable rolling maul from a lineout in the Quin’s twenty-two, replacement Morris scored a hat trick of tries to round off a fine performance. However, on this occasion, Lloyd sent the ball wide of the uprights.
Full Time: Carmarthen Quins RFC 11 Ebbw Vale RFC 39
Tries: Penalty try (1), Joe Franchi (1), Ieuan Morris (3)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3)
Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)
Quiz Question
When else , if ever, have two different hookers, scored a hat-trick for the club in consecutive matches?
Congratulations Joe Franchi and Ieuan Morris
Ebbw Vale finish the first block of seven games having won six and lost one.
The squad now has a three weeks break until Saturday 23rd November when they will face Newport RFC at The Ciner Glass Community Stadium with a 2.30pm kick off . The SRC Challenger Shield will be on the line in the Gwent derby.
Report written by: Alex Kinsella-Evans
The Steelmen travel to Carmarthen Park this Saturday to face Carmarthen Quins in the 7th Round of Super Rygbi Cymru. The Steelmen did the double over Carmarthen Quins last season winning 28-24 at Carmarthen Park in a televised game on S4C Clic. The match saw onE of the youngest squads ever to take the field for the Steelmen.
The game will see the Steelmen look to win their fifth game in a row in the new competition.
Jason Strange makes several changes to the starting XV for this weekend’s game. There are 2 changes in the pack with Ben Main coming into the back row and Sion Parry moving to number 8. Rory Harries starts in place of Jon Evans at scrum half.
Replacements will be named before kick-off on Saturday.
The full squad is as follows:
15 Matt Jones 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Cameron Davies 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1 Morgan Williams 2 Joe Franchi 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Ben Main 8 Sion Parry
Replacements
To Be Confirmed…
The game against Quins will be the last match in the first block of Super Rygbi Cymru with the league taking a month hiatus before returning on the 23rd November.
Match Day Information
Carmarthen Quins v Ebbw Vale RFC
Saturday 26th October
Carmarthen Park
Kick off 2.30pm
Carmarthen Quins Clubhouse
2 Morfa Ln,
Carmarthen
SA31 3AX
EA Travel
The Supporters Bus will be leaving the Welfare at 12.00pm.
The Welfare will be open from 10.30am.
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw claimed yet another six-pointer, on the road defeating Bridgend 34-18 at the Dunraven Brewery Field.
A lovely afternoon and a luscious green baize to work with should have set the afternoon up for some terrific running rugby, but with a heavy tailwind behind them, Ebbw couldn’t make it pay, yielding only an early Evan Lloyd penalty to give the visitors the lead.
It was then the hosts who struck the first blow, taking advantage of the extra man and McCauley Rowley crossed in the corner to get the game’s first try. Burnell missing the conversion, his second missed kick of the game so far.
A match marred with errors and inaccuracies soon saw Liam Tobias join Dom Franchi in the sin bin and the Ebbw pack crashed over to give Joe Franchi the first of his three tries.
The game was bubbling, and soon came to a boil when Ebbw number eight Ryan Jenkins saw straight red for a tip tackle, sandwiched by two Burnell penalties. The half came to a close with Evan Lloyd, the league’s top points scorer, converting a penalty.
HALF TIME: Bridgend Ravens 11-13 Ebbw Vale
A double prop change early in the second half was the turning point for The Steelmen. A penalty try and yellow card to Bridgend second row Evan Hill was quickly followed by Franchi’s brace. The Ravens decimated by the Vale rolling maul.
The hosts were not done yet though. With the gap sitting at 16, Hill returned to the pitch to give his side the man advantage once more and it was the lock who crossed the whitewash to bring Bridgend back within two scores. The momentum lasted just nine minutes, Hill seeing red following a second yellow.
Franchi then crossed for his hat-trick following 5 consecutive rolling mauls taking Ebbw 65m up-field, and the win was sealed, Ebbw remaining second in the table, a couple of points behind frontrunners Cardiff, who themselves took maximum points this weekend.
Ebbw now get set to travel to Carmarthen Quins in a week’s time.
FULL TIME: Bridgend 18-34 Ebbw Vale
Scorers:
Tries: Joe Franchi (3), Penalty Try
Pens: Evan Lloyd (2) Cons: Evan Lloyd (3)
Report by Robert Rees
The Steelmen travel to the Dunraven Brewery Field this Saturday to face the Bridgend Ravens in the 6th Round of Super Rygbi Cymru. The game will see the Steelmen look to win their fourth game in a row in the new competition. The Ravens have also had an excellent start to the new season winning 3 of their first 5 matches. The Steelmen did the double over Bridgend Ravens last season winning 36-13 at the Brewery Field
Jason Strange makes several changes to the starting XV for this weekend’s game. There are 2 changes in the pack with Morgan Williams starting in the front row and Sion Parry returning in the back row. The match will also see Curtis Gregory make his 50th appearance for the Steelmen. There is no change with the backline.
The full squad is as follows:
15 Matt Jones 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Cameron Davies 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans
1 Morgan Williams 2 Joe Franchi 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Sion Parry 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris 17 Luke Garrett 18 Adam Court 19 Lewis Young 20 Ben Main 21 Rory Harries 22 Josh Malson 23 Ieuan Evans
Match Day Information
Bridgend Ravens v Ebbw Vale RFC
Saturday 19th October
Dunraven Brewery Field
Tondu Road
CF31 4JE
Kick off 2.30pm
For those making their own way to Bridgend the Sat Nav Postcode: CF31 4JE
EA Travel
The Supporters Bus will be leaving the Welfare at 12.00pm.
The Welfare will be open from 10.30am for breakfast rolls and refreshments.
Ebbw claim their first six pointer
The Steelmen successfully defended the SRC Challenger Shield at home against RGC in a game where the bench made the difference in the second half, on another sunny autumn afternoon at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium.
The home side came out of the blocks quickly, with the forwards having the grit between their teeth, typified by number eight Ryan Jenkins using his strength time and time again by getting over the gain line and beating defender after defender. However, despite the forwards using the powerful driving maul on numerous occasions, the hosts were unable to get over the try line.
Against the run of play, the away side took the lead. With the wind behind their backs, an impressive penalty kick from inside the Gogs half by full back Sam Earl-Jones got the scoreboard moving.
Moments later, the away side scored the first try of the afternoon. After a kick into the RGC half, the ball was in the hands of winger Sam Stoddard, who broke through the home defence, kicked the ball and collected it unopposed to score a well taken try. Outside half Billy McBryde added the extras.
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange was forced into his first substitution early in the first half when winger Ewan Bowden was replaced by Ieuan Evans.
The visitors widened their lead to thirteen points when from a similar kick to his first one, inside his own half, full back Earl-Jones sent the ball through the middle of the sticks.
After a few penalties, further good work by the Ebbw forwards, saw the pack set up another maul, only for it to be held up on the line.
However, the hosts were soon on the scoreboard. From a five-metre scrum, in front of the away side’s posts, the Steelmen’s number nine Jonathan Evans picked up the ball from the feet of number eight Jenkins, saw the space in defence and went over the try line. Top points scorer Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion to score the final points of the first half.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 7 RGC 13
With the away side having the ball, an interception from around the halfway line by substitute Ieuan Evans, saw the replacement look likely to score an interception try. However, the covering defence came across to tackle the winger into touch.
Shortly after, the home side were reduced to fourteen men after referee Matthew Leon showed second row Curtis Gregory a yellow card for ill-discipline.
The Gogs took advantage of their numerical advantage when fly half McBryde slotted a penalty over the posts.
Two further changes by Ebbw coach Strange saw props Morgan Davies and Adam Williams be replaced by Luke Garrett and Adam Court.
The hosts first points of the second half came when number ten Lloyd successfully kicked a penalty to reduce the away sides lead to six points.
Mounting concerted pressure in the hosts twenty-two for over five minutes, the RGC forwards battered their way at the try line, only to be stopped time and again by some heroic defending by the home side.
More positive play by the Steelmen’s number eight Jenkins, saw the young number eight carry the ball well, use his strength to shrug off various defenders and gain valuable metres for his side. However, the Steelmen were unable to capitalise on the advantage.
Further changes by Ebbw Vale saw hooker Joe Franchi be replaced by Ieuan Morris and moments later Lewis Young came on for Ryan Jenkins.
With the home sides substitutions making a difference, the Steelmen were awarded a scrum on the visitors five metres. After the Gogs were being penalised at the scrum on numerous occasions, referee Leon showed the away side’s number eighteen Patrick Nelson a yellow card.
After continuing to penalise the away side from the scrum, referee Leon had no alternative but to go under the sticks and award a penalty try to the Steelmen.
The home sides final change of the afternoon saw flanker Kobi Rees come on for Ben Main.
The visitors attempted to play from inside their own half after going behind in the game for the first time. After dropping the ball, home replacement winger Ieuan Evans crossed the line to score his sides third try of the game. Lloyd added the two points.
With the final play of the game and with the Steelmen’s forwards on top, scrum half Jonathan Evans picked up the ball from a ruck inside the away side’s twenty-two. Using his experience and quick thinking, Evans darted through defenders to cross for the bonus point try. Lloyd kicked the conversion with the final kick of the game to extend Ebbw’s lead to fifteen points and earn the Steelmen a further bonus point.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 31 RGC 16
Tries: Jonathan Evans (2), Ieuan Evans (1), Penalty try (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3)
Penalty: Evan Lloyd (1)
MOM: Jon Evans
After the game we spoke with Ebbw Vale’s full back Matt Jones. Matt thought Ebbw had a lot of possession in the first half, however, they were unable to convert them into points. Matt paid tribute to RGC saying they came out of the blocks firing and are a physical team and acknowledged the team had to put in an improved performance in the second half to come away with the win.
Pictures courtesy of Ebbw Players
Ebbw Vale’s next game in the league is away to Bridgend RFC at the Dunraven Brewery Field on Saturday 19th October 2024 with kick off at 2:30pm
Written by: Alex Kinsella-Evans
The Steelmen Welcome RGC!
The Steelmen welcome RGC to the CINER GLASS Community Stadium this Saturday in the 5th Round of Super Rygbi Cymru. The game will see the Steelmen defend the SRC Challengers Shield for the first time having won it last weekend after beating Llandovery RFC at Church Bank.
RGC arrive at the CINER GLASS after winning two of their first four matches in Super Rygbi Cymru including an eye catching 61 – 42 victory over Pontypool RFC in ROUND 3. The Steelmen arrive back on home turf after completing the double over Llandovery RFC last weekend with a 31 -28 victory at Church Bank courtesy of a last-minute penalty from Evan Lloyd.
The Steelmen did the double over RGC last season winning 26-10 at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium.
Jason Strange makes several changes to the starting XV for this weekend’s game. There are 2 changes in the pack with Morgan Davies starting in the front row and Jack Pope moving to the back row.
There is one change in the backline with Cameron Davies starting in the place of Ethan Phillips at centre. Kobi Rees, Ieuan Evans and Adam Court come onto the bench.
The full squad is as follows:
15 Matt Jones 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Cameron Davies 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans
1 Morgan Davies 2 Joe Franchi 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Jack Pope 7 Ben Main 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris 17 Luke Garrett 18 Adam Court 19 Lewis Young 20 Kobi Rees 21 Rory Harries 22 Josh Malson 23 Ieuan Evan
Match Day Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v RGC
Saturday 12th October
CINER GLASS Community Stadium
Kick off 2.30pm
Sat Nav Postcode: NP23 5AZ
Admission Prices
FULL: £14
CONCESSION: £10
Please note there are no online ticket purchases for this match, however both card and cash payments will be able to be taken at the game.
Steelmen claim the shield
Ebbw came away from Church Bank with a nail-biting win and a successful challenge to grab the SRC Challenge Shield from Llandovery in the Drover`s first home game of the season on an afternoon that was played in dry but windy conditions.
The away side scored the first points of the afternoon when flyhalf Evan Lloyd successfully kicked a penalty from just outside the Drovers twenty-two. However, the hosts soon hit back with a break up the wing from inside their own half ended with fullback Jac Davies crossing the line to score a well taken try, outside half Steffan-Jac Jones added the extras.
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange was forced into an early change when in form flanker Ewan McIntyre was replaced by Jack Pope due to injury.
The away side reduced the deficit to one point when number ten Lloyd slotted his second penalty from a similar position to his first one. Marksman Lloyd then put his team into the lead for the first time during the afternoon with his third successful penalty.
Both teams were reduced to fourteen men when an altercation occurred which resulted in the steelmen`s flyhalf Evan Lloyd and Llandovery prop Berian Watkins spending ten minutes in the sin bin. From a lineout in the home side`s twenty-two the Ebbw Vale pack built up ahead of steam with a rolling maul which ended with captain Joe Franchi crashing over the line. In Lloyd’s absence centre Ethan Phillips was unsuccessful with the conversion.
Just prior to halftime Llandovery converted their pressure into points with second row Will Evans using his power to cross the line. Flyhalf Jones levelled the scores just before halftime.
Halftime: Llandovery RFC 14 Ebbw Vale RFC 14
Shortly into the second half the visitors were forced into their second change of the afternoon when influential outside centre Ethan Phillips was replaced by Cameron Davies.
With the Ebbw Vale forwards having the grit between their teeth, from a lineout inside the Drovers twenty-two, another rolling maul was finished off by captain Franchi scoring his second try of the game. Lloyd kicked the conversion from a difficult angle to put his team seven points ahead.
Further changes by the Steelmen management saw experienced prop Luke Garrett be replaced by Morgan Davies.
A lovely fifty twenty-two kick by Ebbw`s Lloyd put the visitor`s on the front foot with a lineout in the hosts twenty-two. After sustained pressure by the visitors a good backs move was rounded off by young winger Harry Rees-Weldon diving over in the corner to score Ebbw Vale`s third try of the game. number ten Lloyd successfully kicked another difficult conversion.
Strange made two more changes to the side when hooker Ieaun Morris came on for captain Joe Franchi and Lewis Young replaced number eight Ryan Jenkins.
However, the momentum changed when the home side were camped in Ebbw Vale`s twenty-two. Referee Rhys Jones sent Ebbw second row Dylan Bartlett to the sin bin for an infringement. With the extra man, the Drovers made their numerical advantage count when hooker Taylor Davies scored a try. Replacement outside half Jack Maynard kicked the conversion.
The Steelmen were given an opportunity to go more than one score ahead from a penalty inside the hosts half. However, marksman Lloyd was uncharacteristically off target with his kick.
The home side levelled the game for the second time when replacement hooker Finn Thomas crashed over the line. Maynard levelled the scores with the conversion.
The final change of the afternoon for the away side saw prop Adam Williams be replaced by Owen Hatherill with approximately five minutes left.
With time running out referee Jones awarded Ebbw a penalty to give the Steelmen a chance to come away from Church Bank with the victory. Lloyd stepped up with the final kick of the game to send the ball through the middle of the uprights to win the game and claim the shield for the away side.
Fulltime: Llandovery RFC 28 Ebbw Vale RFC 31
Tries: Joe Franchi (2), Harry Rees-Weldon (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (2)
Penalties: Evan Lloyd (4)
Picture courtesy of NCR Photography
Ebbw Vale`s next game is at home against RGC on Saturday 12th of October 2024 with kick off at 2:30pm where they will defend the SRC Challenger Shield for the first time.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
The Steelmen return to action in Round 4 of Super Rygbi Cymru in the second of the back-to-back games against Llandovery RFC. In a fast-paced, highly competitive game last weekend, the Steelmen came out on top beating the Drovers 38-29 at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium and scoring 4 tries in the process
The match will also see the two teams compete for the SRC Challenger Shield. The first two teams to do so.
SRC Challenger Shield Info
The holding team must defend the shield in all home games during the regular season. If the challenger beats them, they will become the new holder of the shield and required to defend it at their next home game. Llandovery, as the current League champions, are the first holders of the shield with Ebbw Vale being the very first challengers to try and win the shield.
Steelmen Team Info
There have been a few changes to the team which beat the Drovers at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium last weekend with Ben Main and Ryan Jenkins coming into the back row. Adam Williams comes into the starting XV at tight head while Owen Hatherill comes onto the bench.
The full Ebbw Vale team is as follows:
15 Matt Jones 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi (c) 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Ewan McIntyre 7 Ben Main 8 Ryan Jenkins
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris, 17 Morgan Davies 18 Owen Hatherill 19 Jack Pope 20 Lewis Young 21 Rory Harries 22 Josh Malson 23 Cameron Davies
#FeelTheSteel
Match information
Saturday 5th October
Llandovery RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
Kick Off 2.30pm
Church Bank Playing Fields
Llandovery, SA20 0BA
For those travelling by car, the post code is SA20 0BA
Ebbw Addicts
The Addicts are providing transport to the match and will be leaving the Welfare at 11am.
The Welfare will be open for breakfast rolls and refreshments from 10am.
The Addicts will return from Llandovery RFC at 5.30pm
Ebbw Beat Last Years Champions
Ebbw Vale made it two wins from their first two home games after securing a try bonus point victory against last years champions Llandovery.
Straight from the kick off the visitors were awarded a penalty which fullback Jack Maynard converted to put Llandovery three points ahead.
The Steelmen soon hit back when from a scrum in the Drovers half quick ball from scrum half Jon Evans to outside half Evan Lloyd saw the number ten put outside centre Ethan Phillips into space. With plenty still to do the centre made a trademark break through the mid field to go over the line unopposed. Flyhalf Lloyd added the two points.
The home side doubled their try tally when from a missed pass in the mid field by the away team, home winger Ewan Bowden kicked the ball into space. The winger used his speed and footballing skills to be first to the ball to go over the try line with defenders scrambling back. Lloyd kicked the conversion successfully.
From scrappy play in the Steelmen`s half, the visitors scored their first try of the afternoon when winger Aaron Warren used his strength to beat two covering defenders to go over in the corner. Maynard missed the conversion.
With the ball in the hands of young winger Harry Rees-Weldon inside his own half, the winger put in a clever fifty-twenty-two kick to give his side an attacking line out, however, despite pressure Ebbw were unable to convert the pressure into points.
Llandovery went ahead from a try by hooker Taylor Davies. Fullback Maynard added the extras.
Ill-discipline by the Drovers resulted in sharpshooter Lloyd turning the tables back in the favour of Ebbw Vale with a penalty to put his side two points in the lead.
On the stroke of halftime, from a rolling maul by the Steelmen forwards, inside the visitor’s half, winger Bowden scored his second try of the afternoon out wide. However, on this occasion Lloyd was unable to add the extras.
Half time: Ebbw Vale RFC 22 Llandovery RFC 15
The first substitution by Ebbw saw number eight Lewis Young be replaced by Owen Conquer.
The home side extended their lead to ten points when marksman Lloyd kicked a huge penalty from just inside the halfway line. The flyhalf added another penalty to his tally to push the hosts further ahead.
Ebbw Vale stand-in head coach Aaron Coundley replaced props Luke Garrett and Adam Court with Morgan Davies and Adam Williams.
With the Steelmen on the front foot, a quick tap on the Drovers twenty-two by experienced scrum half Jon Evans resulted in the number nine scoring an excellent individual try. Lloyd slotted the conversion to put his team twenty points in front.
Two quick fire tries by Evan Sheldon and Lee Rees, both converted by the number fifteen Maynard brought the deficit back to a one score game.
In the aftermath of the second Drovers try, Steelmen scrumhalf Jon Evans was shown a yellow card to spend the remainder of the game in the sin bin for ill-discipline.
The hosts made a further change when second row Curtis Gregory was replaced by Jack Pope.
With time running out the hosts were awarded a penalty on the Llandovery twenty-two. Flyhalf Lloyd kicked the penalty to take a losing bonus point away from the visitors.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 38 Llandovery RFC 29
Man of the Match: Ewan Bowden
Tries: Ewan Bowden (2), Ethan Phillips (1), Jon Evans (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3)
Penalties: Evan Lloyd (4)
After the game we spoke with Ebbw Vale`s number Eight Owen Conquer.
Owen praised Llandovery, believing they are a tough side to play against which is shown with them being back-to-back winners in the league two years in a row. Owen thought Ebbw played the game in the right areas, showed some grit towards the end especially when being reduced to fourteen men. Owen also praised the home set piece; he thought the scrum went well and the set pieces was executed as planned.
The Steelmen play the reverse fixture against Llandovery next week when they travel to Church Bank on Saturday the 5th of October 2024 with kick off at 14:30pm
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
The Steelmen return to action in Round 3 of Super Rygbi Cymru in the first match of a double header against Llandovery RFC.
Both teams have one win from two matches played so far this season. Last season in the Premiership, there was one win apiece, with the Steelmen winning 25-17 at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium under the S4C Clic lights.
Jason Strange has made a number of changes to the team from the defeat at Cardiff RFC with the experienced Dom Franchi, Jon Evans and skipper Joe Franchi returning to the starting XV. The back rows stays the same as the match against Cardiff with Curtis Gregory coming back into the starting lineup to partner Dylan Bartlett. The bench will be selected before kick off.
The Ebbw Vale XV is as follows:
15 Matt Jones 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ewan Bowden 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi (c) 3 Adam Court 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Ewan McIntyre 7 Sion Parry 8 Lewis Young
Replacements from
Morgan Davies, Ieuan Morris, Adam Williams, Jack Pope, Owen Conquer, Ben Main, Rory Harries, Josh Malson and Cameron Davies
Match information
Kick Off 2.30pm
CINER Glass Community Stadium
Post Code: NP23 5AZ
Admission Price
Full Price: £14
Concession: £10
Payments: Both card and cash can be used to purchase tickets at the ground
The Steelmen will travel to Church Bank next weekend to face Llandovery again in the return fixture.
Cardiff Take Maximum Points
The Steelmen came away from their first away game of the season pointless after a clinical Cardiff display proved the difference.
The hosts almost scored the opening try within minutes of kick off, after Ebbw Vale full back Matt Jones was unable to collect a high ball. Luckily for the visitors, the ball went over the dead ball line before a home player was able to touch it down. However, the home side soon went three points ahead, when outside half Josh Thomas slotted the kick between the uprights.
Within minutes, the Rags scored their first try of the evening when hooker Efan Daniel scored from a powerful drive by the Cardiff pack. Thomas added the two points to extend his teams lead to ten.
Cardiff scored their second try of the first half when winger Dewi Cross finished off a clever back’s move to go in over the corner. Number ten Thomas extended the lead further going into half time. Despite having opportunities inside the Rags twenty-two, the visitors were unable to cross the line to put any points on the scoreboard in the first half.
Half Time: Cardiff RFC 17 Ebbw Vale RFC 0
The away side were forced into their first change of the evening, when winger Hamish Anderson was replaced by Ieuan Evans at half time.
Ebbw got their first points of the evening when Ieuan Morris touched down after the away side spent time with the ball inside the home side’s twenty-two. Flyhalf Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the two points. With the ball in the Rags twenty-two, the home side struck straight back. A break by the hosts Tom Rice, saw the ball go through outside half’s Josh Thomas hands out to winger Cross, who used his speed to go over the try line unopposed for a good Cardiff try. Thomas added the extras.
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange replaced hooker Ieuan Morris with Joe Franchi, second row Curtis Gregory came on for Jack Pope and scrum half Jon Evans replaced Rory Harries.
Ebbw Vale got their second try of the game, after number eight Lewis Young showed his strength to go over from a powerful maul at a lineout inside the home sides twenty-two. Number ten Lloyd was unable to add the extras.
Further changes by coach Strange saw flanker Ben Main came on for debutant Sion Parry and prop Morgan Williams replaced Morgan Davies.
The hosts were reduced to fourteen men for ten minutes when second row Sean Moore was shown a yellow card by referee Ben Connor. However, despite the numerical advantage, the Steelmen were unable to add any points onto the scoreboard.
Further change’s by Ebbw Vale saw ex Cardiff prop Adam Williams leave the field to be replaced by Owen Hatherill and outside half Evan Lloyd come off for Josh Malson.
With the final play of the game, Cardiff secured full points from the evening when full back Joe Goodchild scored out wide for his teams fourth try of the evening. Outside half Thomas was unable to add the extra two points. However, as the home side won by seventeen points, they collected maximum points from the game.
Full Time: Cardiff RFC 29 Ebbw Vale RFC 12
Tries: Ieuan Morris (1), Lewis Young (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (1)
Ebbw Vale RFC’s next league game is at home at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Saturday 28th September 2024 with kick-off at 2:30pm against last year’s champions Llandovery RFC.
Written by: Alex Kinsella Evans
Cardiff RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
Ebbw Vale RFC head off to the capital city in round 2 of the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru competition when the Steelmen face Cardiff RFC at the Arms Park with a 7.30pm kick off
Last season in the Indigo Premiership, both teams claimed 1 victory apiece in the league, with the Steelmen winning at the Arms Park by 36-20.
Jason Strange has selected a squad full of youth and experience for the game against Cardiff making 9 changes to the starting XV and 12 changes to the squad overall from the game against Aberavon RFC
Full back, Matt Jones will make his debut for the Steelmen having signed from the Bristol Bears in the summer. While Canadian International, Sion Parry, will also make his debut in the back row following his signing from Pontypridd RFC.
Further changes see Rory Harries and Cameron Davies come into the starting lineup and Harry Rees-Weldon also returns to the squad.
Upfront, there is a complete change in the front row with Morgan Davies, Ieuan Morris and Adam Williams starting for the Steelmen. Jack Pope makes his first start for the Steelmen in the 2nd row having come off the bench in the victory over Aberavon last week.
On the bench, Abergavenny product, Ieuan Evans is set to make his debut for the Steelmen.
Ethan Phillips captains the Steelmen for the very first time.
The full Ebbw Vale team is as follows
15 Matt Jones 14 Harry Rees-Weldon 13 Ethan Phillips (C) 12 Cameron Davies 11 Hamish Anderson 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Rory Harries
1 Morgan Davies 2 Ieuan Morris 3 Adam Williams 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Jack Pope 6 Ewan McIntyre 7 Sion Parry 8 Lewis Young
Replacements
16 Joe Franchi 17 Morgan Williams 18 Owen Hatherill 19 Curtis Gregory 20 Ben Main 21 Jon Evans 22 Josh Malson 23 Ieuan Evans
Game Information
Tickets can be purchased online at the following link: Event Information Screen – eTickets (eticketing.co.uk)
The online programme for the match is now online: Cardiff RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC | Zeeon
The game is being streamed live on S4C Clic and YouTube Channel
