Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
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…
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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
Ebbw Start the New League With a Bang
Ebbw Vale`s first game in the new Super Rygbi Cymru league ended with the Steelmen collecting a bonus point victory in the September sun.
With the visitors taking the game to the Steelmen from the kick off, within the first few minutes of the game Ebbw Vale had a goal line dropout after full back Hamish Anderson touched down the ball behind the try line.
With Aberavon continuing to dominate territory and possession, the first try of the game soon came to the visitors when outside half Ed Dunford put in a good Crossfield kick for winger Connor Moyse to open the scoring. Flyhalf Dunford missed the conversion. The away side soon added to their advantage when number ten Dunford added a further three points to put his team eight points in front.
Soon Ebbw Vale got themselves onto the scoresheet, as as from a lineout in the Wizards half, an impressive driving maul was finished off by captain Joe Franchi. Last season`s top points scorer Evan Lloyd was unable to add the extra two points.
Straight from the restart. Ebbw Vale`s number eight Lewis Young made an explosive run through various defenders. With scrumhalf Jon Evans on his inside, Young passed the ball to Evans. Using his experience scrumhalf Evans put a clever chip over the covering defenders, only to be denied at the last moment with the referee adjudging the ball to have gone forward.
As the half wore on, the Steelmen`s forwards started to gain the upper hand and after constant pressure in the Aberavon twenty-two, quick ball out to outside centre Ethan Phillips, saw last years player of the season go over unopposed. The conversion by Lloyd went through the uprights.
Just before the half time break, the away side were reduced to fourteen men for ten minutes when front rower Rowan Jenkins was shown the yellow card.
From the resulting penalty Lloyd slotted over his attempt to extend Ebbw Vales lead to seven points at halftime.
Half time: Ebbw Vale RFC 15 Aberavon RFC 8
The second half started as the first ended, with the hosts adding their third try of the afternoon when young flanker Ewan McIntyre burst through a gap to finish off a very good team move. Fly half Lloyd kicked the conversion.
Ten minutes into the 2nd half, Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange replaced the front row of Luke Garrett, Adam Court and Joe Franchi with Morgan Davies, Adam Williams and Ieuan Morris.
From a lineout in the Wizard`s half, the Steelmen crossed the line again to score a bonus point try. In a powerful rolling maul at the lineout, the ball made its way to outside half Lloyd who found space, drew the defender and passed the ball to winger Ryan Gardner to go over in the corner. Lloyd was unsuccessful with the conversion.
The Steelmen coach Strange made a further change, bringing on centre Cameron Davies on for inside Centre Dom Franchi.
Two quick firer tries by Aberavon’s Connor Moyse and Fullback Scott Delnevo saw the deficit reduced to five points. Further changes by Ebbw Vale saw second row Dylan Bartlett, winger Ewan Bowden and flanker Ben Main be replaced by debutants Jack Pope and Josh Malson with the 3rd change seeing Kobi Rees come on in the back row
With the final play of the game, fullback Hamish Anderson showed a clean pair of heels down the wing to draw the man and pass to the supporting Jon Evans to score his team`s fifth and final try of the game. Lloyd finished the game by converting the conversion.
A hard-fought victory against a very competitive Aberavon team.
Full time: Ebbw Vale RFC 34 Aberavon RFC 22
Man Of The Match: Lewis Young
Tries: Joe Franchi (1), Ethan Phillips (1), Ewan McIntyre (1), Ryan Gardner (1), Jon Evans (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3) Pens: Evan Lloyd (1)
After the game we spoke with Ebbw Vale fullback Hamish Anderson,
Hamish said he felt the game went really well. He added there are some areas of development that need to be worked on but going to next week the team will look at the clips and correct the mistakes made during the game.
Hamish also said he was really excited to play fullback at this level, having had previous experience of playing the position, although his more natural position is as a winger.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Thursday 19th September
In round 2 of the new Super Rygbi Cymru, TheSteelmen travel to Cardiff RFC on Thursday night for a live game on S4C Clic..
The Addicts are providing transport for the game, leaving the Welfare at 5.15pm and returning straight after the games.
See contact details on the Addicts page on the website to book your seats
Ebbw Vale RFC v Aberavon RFC
It’s the start of a new era in Welsh club rugby as the Steelmen entertain Aberavon RFC in the first round of the inaugural Super Rygbi Cymru competition.
Last season in the Indigo Premiership, both teams claimed 1 victory apiece, with the Steelmen coming out on top 41-8 at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium in April.
Jason Strange has selected a squad full of youth and experience for the opening fixture of the league season. Hamish Anderson starts at full back with Ryan Gardner and Ewan Bowden taking their place on the wing. Upfront, Dylan Bartlett and Curtis Gregory continue their partnership in the 2nd row while talented youngsters Ewan McIntyre and Ben Main join the experienced Lewis Young in the back row. Joe Franchi will continue to captain the squad.
The full Ebbw Vale team is as follows
15 Hamish Anderson 14 Ewan Bowden 13 Ethan Phillips 12 Dom Franchi 11 Ryan Gardner 10 Evan Lloyd 9 Jon Evans
1 Luke Garrett 2 Joe Franchi (CAPT) 3 Adam Court 4 Dylan Bartlett 5 Curtis Gregory 6 Ewan McIntyre 7 Ben Main 8 Lewis Young
Replacements
16 Ieuan Morris 17 Morgan Davies 18 Adam Williams 19 Jack Pope 20 Kobi Rees 21 Rory Harries 22 Josh Malson 23 Cameron Davies
On the new league Dom Franchi commented, “It’s always nice to be at home for the first game of the season. All the teams have strengthened, and it is going to be highly competitive from the first game to the very last.”
Match Day Information
Ebbw Vale RFC v Aberavon RFC
Saturday 14th September
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.
Season Tickets
Season Tickets can be purchased online and collected at the club before the match on Saturday.
Ebbw Addicts Information
Our next fixture is on Thursday 19th September, when the Steelmen travel to the Arms Park to face Cardiff RFC for a game live on S4C Clic.
The Addicts are looking to provide transport to the above game. Please see the Addicts crew in the club shop on Saturday to book your seats on the bus.
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC are pleased to announce that Joe Franchi will continue as captain of Ebbw Vale RFC for the 2024/25 season.
Joe, who is closing in on 200 appearances for the Steelmen stated, “As always, it’s a massive honour to captain my hometown club. We’ve got another very competitive squad this year and I’m confident we can build on the two semi-finals from last season and go one better this season.”
#FeelTheSteel
The Steelmen are delighted to announce the coaching setup for the first season of Super Rygbi Cymru.
Jason Strange will continue as head coach of Ebbw Vale RFC, with Steve Lang and Aaron Coundley starting their 3rd season as assistant coaches for the Steelmen.
There is a change at Strength and Conditioning Coach, following Nicky Strange’s decision to step down from the role, with former Steelman and Polish Rugby International Dawid Rubasniak becoming the new S&C coach.
There are also changes to the medical team with Nikki McLaughlin joining as head physio from Merthyr RFC. Nikki will work alongside Alan Hancock. Also joining the team are new physios Imogen McClelland and Gemma Hill.
Rhys Thomas will continue as the club doctor.
Dan Haymond will be the Team Manager for a 3rd season. While Andrew Phillips will continue in his team comms role.
The invaluable backroom staff continue for another season with Ron Taylor remaining as kit manager. The team will be supported on match days and training sessions by Dilwyn Snelgrove and Ashley Margetson throughout the season.
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signings of outside half Josh Malson and 2nd Row forward Alfred Bateman Lloyd.
Josh joins the Steelmen after appearing for both Newbridge RFC and Pontypool RFC last season. Josh has previously played for Talywain RFC.
On joining the Steelmen, Josh stated, “I’m very grateful to sign for this club with its great history and I’m excited for the year ahead with the boys.”
Also joining the squad is the latest signing from the link up between Christ College, Brecon and the Steelmen. Alfred Bateman Lloyd was part of the college’s first XV last season and also represented Welsh Crawshays.
On signing for the Steelmen, Alfred commented, “I an so excited to be part of this club and step up from youth to men’s rugby.”
#NewSignings #FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC recorded their 2nd win of the preseason with a 27 -19 win against Clifton RFC on Saturday.
In what was a good’ physical workout for Jason Strange’s squad, over 30 players took to the field during the match.
The try scorers were: Joe Franchi, Ewan Bowden, Ben Main, Ieuan Morris and Jake Hopkins with a conversion from Josh Malson.
The focus will now turn to preparation for the Steelman’s first game in the new Super Rygbi Cymru which starts on Saturday 14th September with the visit of Aberavon to the CINER GLASS Community Stadium.
#FeelTheSteel
Ebbw Vale RFC are delighted to announce the signing of centre Ieuan Evans and winger Ned Bennett.
Ieuan Evans
Ieuan, a product of Abergavenny RFC, has previously played for St Julians RFC and Monmouth RFC.
On signing with the Steelmen, Ieuan commented, “Really excited to be going into the first season of Super Rygbi Cymru with Ebbw Vale. Looking forward to the challenges ahead with this great club.”
Ned Bennett
Ned, a product of Crymych RFC, signs for the Steelmen from Glamorgan Wanderers.
On signing with the Steelmen, Ned commented, “Looking forward to making an impact with Ebbw Vale RFC this season.”
Clifton RFC v Ebbw Vale RFC
The Steelmen return to action with our annual trip across the border to play Clifton RFC on Saturday with a 2.30pm kick off.
Ebbw Addicts Information
The Addicts bus is full for the trip to Clifton RFC on Saturday and is leaving the Welfare at 11.30am.
The Welfare will be open for breakfast from 10.00am for anyone who would like a beverage or breakfast rolls before travelling to the game.
After the match, the Addicts will stay at Clifton Rugby Club to enjoy a few drinks before returning to the Welfare at 5.30pm.
The clubhouse will be open on our return.
REMINDER that Clifton RFC run a CASHLESS bar and food outlet.
For Ebbw supporters making their own way to the match, the address for Clifton RFC is: Clifton Rugby Club, Station Rd, Patchway, Bristol BS10 7TB
Ebbw Vale RFC took on Gwent neighbours Newbridge RFC at the CINER GLASS Community Stadium this week. In a hard fought battle, the Steelmen won by 50 points to 14.
It was a great first workout of the season with 31 players from the Steelmen squad taking part in the match.
The Steelmen scored 8 tries in the match with 5 tries being converted.
The try scorers were: Lewis Young (2), Ieuan Evans (2), Morgan Davies, Ewan McIntyre, Hamish Anderson and Matt Price.
Cons: Josh M (4) Evan L (1)
Thank you to Newbridge RFC for the game and would like to wish them good luck with their first season back in the Premiership.
The Steelmen’s next match is on Saturday 31st August with our annual trip to Clifton RFC.
Dear Valued Members,
We hope this message finds you well. We are writing to inform you of an upcoming adjustment in the pricing of certain memberships at Ebbw Vale RFC. We have decided to increase the prices of the following memberships, effective 1st August 2024:
- Concession Membership: from £70 to £90
- Standard Membership: from £125 to £140
- Vice-President Membership: from £250 to £275
We want to emphasise that our prices have remained unchanged for over five years, and this decision has not been made lightly. We have made every effort to keep this adjustment as minimal as possible while continuing to uphold the quality and service you expect from us.
If you pay using our subscription service, the new monthly rates will be as follows:
- Concession Membership will increase by £1.50 to £8.00
- Standard Membership will increase by £1.50 to £12.50
- Vice-President Membership will increase by £2.00 to £24.00
Standard and Concession memberships will now include access to 9 League games, 2 cup group games, and a Play-Off game. Vice-President members will continue to enjoy the same access as in previous seasons.
Additionally, we would like to inform you that gate entry to matches will slightly increase. The new gate entry price will be £14, up from £12, for standard entry and £10, up from £8, for concessions. This adjustment is necessary to help us manage increasing operational costs and to continue providing a high-quality experience at our matches.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support. Our commitment to providing you with exceptional experiences and facilities remains unwavering, and we are dedicated to ensuring that you continue to receive the best value for your membership. We want to express how important you are as members of our rugby family, and we are truly grateful for your ongoing dedication and enthusiasm.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this change, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your trust and loyalty.
Ebbw Vale RFC