Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
Ebbw fell 28-16 defeat at home to Carmarthen Quins after a fantastic first half performance was thrown away in the latter stages.
Before either side crossed the whitewash Evan Lloyd and Jack Wilson traded kicks for either side, Quins leading 6-3. Following some heavy pressure and smart play off the set piece, Dave Whiting smashed his way over from close range to give the Steelmen a widened advantage.
Evan Lloyd then took further advantage of the wind as he converted another two penalties before the break.
Quins soon turned into a different beast. They exited well and the driving maul was unstoppable at times, led by Torin Myhill at hooker who scored Quins’ first try of the afternoon.
Some sloppy play later and Ebbw conceded another, this time Rhodri Davies crossing the whitewash after some fumbled handling by the hosts inside their 22.
Dale Ford soon grabbed a third before they wrapped it up with a penalty try from the rolling maul bringing up a second half bonus point.
Speaking after the match, Jason Strange said, “it’s probably similar to a few other games, where we’ve played some really good rugby in the first half and if anything, we probably should have been further ahead heading into the break. Second half, we lacked consistency.
“That’s the one major area where we need to get better, we’re having a few wobbles in games where for 5-10 minutes it’s costing us dearly. Whether that’s individual missed tackles or concentration, we need to sustain a high-level performance for 80 minutes.
“This is probably longer term to sort it out. This season was always a case of coming in and assess where the club and team was and rebuild for next year with a new squad.
“We’ve been pretty honest with the players the last 2-3 months, and we’ve retained everyone we wanted to. There’ll be quite a lot of changes but that’ll be for the betterment of the club and this is probably a good time where we need to refresh and reset the squad for the future.
“Evan Lloyd, Joe Westwood, Alex Howe will only get better. It’ll be built around the longer term for the squad next season.”
Ebbw take on Carmarthen Quins this Saturday (2.30KO) in a key clash for the Steelmen. The clash was due to take place several weeks ago, but Storm Franklin put kibosh to those plans and so we arrive in this position with a mathematical possibility of finishing fourth, would you believe?
Ok, that’s massively unlikely, but should the Steelmen take the full 15 points it would put us in fourth, one point behind where Merthyr sit now. Of course, a lot of rugby is to be played out of our hands, but it’s always nice to look ahead and see what could be possible with the squad we’ve accumulated.
Eager eyes will have seen Rhys Downes returning to the side after a spell away from the club, he’ll come off the bench to make his Ebbw return. A much-needed boost after a tough trip to Aberavon last weekend that saw the first half pull the game too far away for Ebbw to hope of a result.
Quins will deliver a very strong pack and developed gameplan, and sit 12 points above us in the table, but only two spots higher. Llandovery filling in the gap.
Jason’s men now sit ninth in the table, seven points above the bottom placed Bridgend Ravens, and with both Bridgend and Pontypridd yet to come, it could yet be an exciting end to what has been a difficult season.
Bridgend has now been re-arranged for a Thursday night kick off on April 27th, rounding off the season after we travel to Sardis Road for the second time this season. With this weekend being the final Saturday afternoon game at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium this season let’s make sure we pack the bank and make Quins #FEELTHESTEEL!!!
You can pre-purchase tickets here; Indigo Welsh Premiership – Saturday 9th April – Carmarthen | EVRFC or you can still buy them on the gate.
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Carmarthen Quins
Your Steelmen side to take on Carmarthen Quins this Saturday in the Indigo Group Welsh Premiership at the CiNER Glass community stadium is as follows. Former Ebbw Vale scrum half Rhys Downes comes in on permit from Newport RFC.
Pre purchase tickets here https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-saturday-9th-april-carmarthen/
Team:
15 Dan Haymond
14 Dafydd Howells
13 Joe Westwood
12 Dom Franchi ©
11 Jordan Thomas
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Matthew Flanagan
8 Alex Howes
7 Joe Thomas
6 Dan Hill
5 Ethan Doyle
4 Lance Randall
3 Dave Whiting
2 Mikhail Blake
1 Luke Garrett
Replacements
16 Lewis Kinsella
17 Rob Sevenoaks
18 Joel Harries
19 Corey Talbot
20 Gethin Williams
21 Rhys Downes
22 Ollie Andrews
23 Mike Powell
Our fixture in the Indigo Group Welsh Premiership against Bridgend has been rearranged for Wednesday, 27th of April with a 7:30pm kick off.
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Aberavon away
Your Steelmen side to take on Aberavon on Saturday 2:30pm at the Talbot Athletic Ground in the Indigo Welsh Premiership is as follows
Team:
15 Dafydd Howells
14 Mike Powell
13 Joe Westwood
12 Dom Franchi ©
11 Jordan Thomas
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Matthew Flanagan
8 Alex Howes
7 Joe Thomas
6 Dan Hill
5 Ethan Doyle
4 Lance Randall
3 Dave Whiting
2 Harry Bee
1 Arron Coundley
Replacements
16 Lewis Kinsella
17 Luke Garrett
18 Rob Sevenoaks
19 Corey Talbot
20 Alex Grey
21 Morgan Lloyd
22 Rhys Jones
23 Dan Haymond
Ebbw travel to the Talbot Athletic Ground this week, where they’ll face cup finalists Aberavon. Aberavon have been taken on once already this season, way back in the pre-season preparations, Ebbw nicking a 29-26 victory on the south coast.
The Wizards have proven tough opposition for everyone this season, winning 12 of their 14 games across both competitions. Avon are unbeaten in their previous three games, having rounded off wins against Carmarthen and Llanelli with a one-point victory in the cup against Llandovery.
Ebbw also enter on fairly good form having beaten both Swansea and Llandovery in recent weeks, with last weekend’s action against Bridgend called off due to a front row player shortage – the right call given we all want to see games played with no relegation this season.
The Steelmen will be refreshed having had a couple of weeks off heading into the final month of the season and Jason and the boys are hoping for a good turnout to support the lads, “Whenever you’ve got good support, the main part of that is the team needs to do that on the pitch. Ebbw Vale will always get good crowds, but that’s up to us to get the crowd back here and supporting, not up to them.”
You can still book a space on the supporters bus by giving Angharad a call 07815163355 and let’s make the Wizards #FEELTHESTEEL!!!
Bridgend Ravens Indigo Premiership clash with Ebbw Vale at Ciner Glass Community Stadium this Saturday has been postponed.
By mutual agreement of both clubs, the game has been postponed on health and safety grounds following front row unavailability at the Ravens. Bridgend have been left with no fit tighthead props, with all options exhausted with injuries and positive Covid cases hampering the Ravens’ selection.
Bridgend Ravens are thankful to our local partner clubs, the Ospreys and our fellow Premiership clubs for their efforts in sourcing permit players to help fulfil the fixture.
We’d like to thank Ebbw Vale for their understanding and we will announce a rearranged date for the fixture in due course.
Ebbw host Bridgend Ravens this Saturday as afternoon rugby returns to the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium. Both sides will be eager to get the win, the hosts aiming to make it three in a row for the first time this season whilst Bridgend will be hoping to make amends after a 50-point walloping last week at the hands of Pontypridd.
Bridgend have won just once this season, against a strong RGC side just a few weeks ago, and so Jason and the lads will be aware of the threats they bring and will want to utilise a strong crowd to boost them to victory.
“Whenever you’ve got good support, the main part of that is the team needs to do that on the pitch. Ebbw Vale will always get good crowds, but that’s up to us to get the crowd back here and supporting, not up to them,” said Jason.
The players will be rested and U20s will have returned from injury, so there will be a full squad to choose from barring a few names.
“Ten days recovery is needed by the players. We’ll have the weekend off and then back in Tuesday and Thursday. We just needed to get our process and attitude process; nothing is about the opposition at the moment,” added Chippy.
Ebbw currently sit ninth, but a win could see them climb as high as seventh. Bridgend sit at the foot of the table but need just two points to get off the bottom.
The last time the sides met was in December 2019, Bridgend taking the spoils at Eugene Cross Park that afternoon, 18-15. Let’s hope the result proves different this weekend and let’s make the Ravens #FEELTHESTEEL!!!!
Supporters can buy match tickets in advance here: https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-saturday-26th-march-bridgend/
By Rob Rees
Ebbw claimed back-to-back victories for the first time since September as they coasted to a 27-15 victory over Cup semi-finalists Llandovery.
The Steelmen lived up to their name, putting the Drovers’ scrum to the sword immediately, with Matthew Flanagan darting over for a try, converted by Evan Lloyd.
Lloyd soon added three further points from the tee as the hosts pressure started to mount. The scrum being utilised as a platform for attack, a brilliant training park move came off when Evan Lloyd broke through midfield to set Joe Westwood up for a try on his return to the green, red and white strip.
The first half came to an end when both Ebbw’s Mike Powell and Llandovery’s Ricky Guest were shown red cards for an altercation.
17-0 at half time.
The second half started slower, both sides taking time to adjust to the extra space. Despite the pressure it was Rhodri Wall who scored next, getting the visitors on the scoresheet. Lloyd once again converted a penalty to keep them at bay, the bank sounding better than it has for some time.
Wall soon got his brace before Lewis Kinsella scored his first try for the Steelmen, Lloyd’s conversion seeing the game out.
Discussing the win Jason Strange said, “I’m really pleased with the result, the players worked hard for each other and lots of strong individual performances. We’d have taken that score pre-game, but disappointed not to take the bonus point in the end as I felt we deserved it.
“We’re focusing on the performance and we’re going in the right direction. The players who came in made a real impact. Aaron Coundley was physical, Joe Westwood also had a great first half.
“I’d give our first half 8 or 9 out of 10, second half the game lost its shape due to the red cards. The fight and the spirit were brilliant.
“Whenever you lose a wing, you’ve got two options. You either drop a forward off or replace the wing with another back, but due to the set piece dominance, we decided to keep the pack full which compromised other areas.
“Hopefully we can fit the Welsh U20s back into the team, and they’ll come into a settled team and add to the depth which is important.”
MOTM: Dave Whiting
By Rob Rees
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Llandovery
Your Steelmen side to take on Llandovery tomorrow evening 7:30pm at CiNER GLASS Community Stadium in the Indigo Welsh Premiership.
Follow updates of the game, follow our social media channels on Twitter @evrfc OR Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SteelmanRugby
Pre Purchase tickets for the game here https://bit.ly/3IfK1H5
Team:
15 Dafydd Howells
14 Jordan Thomas
13 Joe Westwood
12 Dom Franchi ©
11 Mike Powell
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Matthew Flanagan
8 Alex Grey
7 Joe Thomas
6 Dan Hill
5 Ethan Doyle
4 Lance Randall
3 Dave Whiting
2 Mikhail Blake
1 Arron Coundley
Replacements
16 Lewis Kinsella
17 Joel Harries
18 Rob Sevenoaks
19 Corey Talbot
20 Gethin Williams
21 Jonathan Evans
22 Oliver Andrews
23 Dan Haymond
Ebbw return to Thursday night action as they host cup semi-finalists Llandovery. The Steelmen will enter in good spirits after a hard-fought victory over Swansea last weekend, whilst the Drovers come off the back of a quarter-final win against Pontypridd in the cup.
Llandovery have always been notoriously difficult to beat up front, and Thursday will be no different, especially with a heavy pitch, slightly cut up following the weekend’s action.
The re-scheduled game will be the first meeting of the sides since January 2020, where the sides drew 10-10 at Church Bank, with Ebbw winning the first tie at home that season.
Llandovery site five points ahead of Ebbw in the table having played a game less and will be favourites topping their Indigo Group Premiership Cup West division by a point over Aberavon.
Incidentally, both sides’ last Premiership game this season has been a win, and Llandovery only enter the tie off the back of a couple of victories virtue of their outstanding cup tie versus Pontypridd.
Looking ahead to the tie Jason Strange was in a positive mood; “It’s a matter of learning from this game, understand what we can improve and enter Llandovery off one training session whilst focusing on ourselves.
“We need that desire to get better. They’re a team who like to throw the ball around, but on this field that could prove difficult, so for us we don’t want to focus too much on the opposition, we need to look at what we do well.”
By Rob Rees
Ebbw claimed victory over the All Whites as they eased out 14-5 victors at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium. With the ground heavy underfoot and a northerly wind capable of launching a hot air balloon without assistance was never going to make for a flowing game.
Nevertheless, it was the hosts who got the scoreboard ticking after some heavy forward pressure told with Alex Grey going over, converted by Rhys Jones. Not to be outdone, Swansea soon retaliated with a try of their own, but minus the conversion.
Most of the action took place in the middle third of the park, with plenty of rugby tennis seeing out the minutes. It wasn’t until Ebbw had a succession of scrums in the clubhouse corner that anyone looked like scoring. It wasn’t to be, the visitors held out and Ebbw went in 7-5 up.
It took 20 minutes before the next, and final score would follow. The field fatiguing the forwards and limiting back play. Ebbw also hindered with Dan Haymond, Ethan Phillips and Rhys Jones all leaving the field with injuries.
Daf Howells bagged himself another Ebbw try when he clattered over at the cricket end, Evan Lloyd’s conversion taking it to a two-score game. The host held out for a win that sees them leapfrog Llanelli and Swansea in the table.
Speaking after the game, Head Coach Jason Strange said, “pleased with the result, we had a lot of disruption in the backline losing Dan and Ethan within half an hour, which always takes some adapting, then losing Rhys just after half time. Overall, it was a good performance, we controlled the game and looked a lot more assured and is all part of a longer journey.
“We all want to be winning comfortably, but it’s small steps for now. Our front five looked good, Ethan Doyle was awesome. In conditions like this your forwards win or lose you the game and full credit to the pack, they went well. Our lineout improved massively from last week.
“Winning gives us confidence, Swansea stuck in there and are a young team who made it difficult for us.
“It’s still early yet, but Ethan’s injury looked nasty, Dan was just a dead leg and some of the forwards were fatigued.”
By Rob Rees
The Steelmen welcome Swansea to the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium on Saturday for a much welcomed 2.30pm kick-off. Supporters are reminded that the hospitality session with Dai Llewellyn, Nick Wakeley and Lenny Woodard starts at midday and food will be served from 12:45 for those who have bought tickets.
The All Whites last made the trip to Ebbw Vale back in 2019, resulting in a 13-10 victory for the visitors. Jason Strange’s men will be hoping for a different result this time round. Swansea sit 9th, just one point ahead of Ebbw. As such a win is crucial for both sides to gather some momentum heading into the second half Premiership games.
There may be no relegation this season but turning wins into momentum ahead of next season will be a major goal.
Ebbw enter the game following a disappointing result up north, but performances have increased in quality since the turn of the year, with a win against Llanelli, before pushing Newport all the way on TV.
Let’s make sure to pack the bank and let Swansea #FEELTHESTEEL!!!
You can purchase your match tickets ahead of time here; Indigo Welsh Premiership – Saturday 12th March – Swansea | EVRFC
By Rob Rees
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Swansea
Your Steelmen side to take on Swansea this Saturday 12th March 14:30pm at CiNER Glass community stadium in the Indigo Welsh Premiership.
Pre purchase tickets here https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-saturday-12th-march-swansea/
The Side:
15 Dan Haymond
14 Carrick McDonough
13 Dom Franchi ©
12 Ethan Phillips
11 Dafydd Howells
10 Rhys Jones
9 Jonathan Evans
8 Alex Grey
7 Joe Thomas
6 Dan Hill
5 Ethan Doyle
4 Lance Randall
3 Dave Whiting
2 Mikhail Blake
1 Joel Harries
Replacements
16 Lewis Kinsella
17 Ross Jones
18 Rob Sevenoaks
19 Corey Talbot
20 Gethin Williams
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Evan Lloyd
23 Ryan Evans
On Saturday for our home game against Swansea we are hosting our sponsors event at the club before the game. There will be a Q&A with former Ebbw Vale favourites scrum half David Llewellyn, Winger Lenny Woodard and former player and coach Nick Wakley! There will also be a guess the score competition and a one course meal before the game.
Arrival for the event will be from midday with food served from 12:45.
We have a couple of tables available for supporters to book, for just £10 per person (excludes match day ticket for supporters) you could be part of this enjoyable event! Individual places or group bookings can be made by contacting Gareth on the detail below. Bookings need to be made by Wednesday evening 6pm.
To book email marketing@evrfc.co.uk or call 07974873683
Ebbw Vale Side To Play RGC
Your Steelmen side to take on RGC this Saturday 14:30pm at Parc Eirias in the Indigo Welsh Premiership.
Follow updates of the game, follow our social media channels on Twitter @evrfc and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SteelmanRugby
The side:
15 Dan Haymond
14 Carrick McDonough
13 Ryan Evans
12 Ethan Phillips
11 Dafydd Howells
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Jonathan Evans ©
8 Alex Howes
7 Joe Thomas
6 Dan Hill
5 Ethan Doyle
4 Lance Randall
3 Dave Whiting
2 Harry Bee
1 Joel Harries
Replacements
16 Liam Lewis
17 Ross Jones
18 Rob Sevenoaks
19 Corey Talbot
20 Alex Grey
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Rhys Jones
23 Mike Powell
Travelling reserves:
Lewis Kinsella & Oliver Andrews
The performance was much better and you can start to see the side developing under Chippy and Co, Jason said “I thought we were really good value in the second half and nobody would have had any complaints if we had won or drew.
The fixture against Carmarthen Quins that was postponed due to the recent weather has been rearranged for Saturday, April 9th with a 14:30pm kick off at Ebbw Vale.
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Newport
Your Steelmen squad to take on Newport Live on S4C this Thursday 7:30pm at the CiNER Glass Community Stadium in the Indigo Welsh Premiership.
We ask all supporters to pre purchase your tickets here online in advance https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/thursday-24th-february-newport-rfc/
The game will be shown live on S4C’s social media channels https://www.facebook.com/s4cchwaraeon/
TEAM
15 Dan Haymond
14 Carrick McDonough
13 Dom Franchi (C)
12 Ethan Phillips
11 Dafydd Howells
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Matthew Flanagan
8 Lewis Young
7 Owen Young
6 Alex Howes
5 Ethan Doyle
4 Dan Hill
3 Dave Whiting
2 Harry Bee
1 Ross Jones
Replacements
16 Mikhail Blake
17 Rob Sevenoaks
18 Joel Harris
19 Lance Randall
20 Joe Thomas
21 Jonathan Evans
22 Rhys Jones
23 Ryan Evans
The Steelmen welcome fellow Gwent rivals to the CiNER Glass Community Stadium on Thursday evening for a night under the lights and on TV – well, streaming online.
Newport have been perennial foes for as far back as anyone can remember, even REL! The battles may not have the international names of years gone by, but they still harvest the same intensity and passion as ever, especially with it being the only Gwent derby in the current Premiership table.
Whilst Ebbw have struggled at times this season, Newport have well and truly flourished under Tyron Morris and it’ll no doubt be an extremely tough task for Ebbw.
The Steelmen enter off a back of a postponement last weekend after inclement weather – even us up in Ebbw get that! – took the game out of our control.
Nevertheless, our last trip on to a field was a victorious one as Llanelli made the visit to Ebbw Vale.
Newport’s recent form has been some of the best in the league, winning each of their last seven games. Both sides will want to play some rugby, but with a heavy pitch underneath we could well see a forward tussle for the ages.
The last Ebbw victory between the two sides came back in March 2019, running out 31-29 winners that day at Rodney Parade.
To steal Jason’s thoughts on the times ahead, “I thought tonight was the first real sign of being near where we want our culture to be. We looked like a team that wanted to play for each other for the first time and I hope that continues into Carmarthen.”
You can purchase your tickets online here: Thursday 24th February – Newport RFC | EVRFC
You can still purchase tickets on the gate, and for anyone travelling up the valley, please be aware that the bridge just south of the ground is having repair work done and as such the tunnel underneath on the way to the ground is closed. Just go up to the town centre and cut back down Libanus Road.
We hope to see a big crowd to pack the bank and help the boys make Newport #FEELTHESTEEL
Due to the adverse weather conditions and the rain not easing up, unfortunately todays fixture against Carmarthen Quins has been postponed after a pitch inspection at the ground. The rearrangement of the game will be communicated as soon as possible.
Ebbw remain at home this weekend as we welcome Carmarthen Quins to the CiNER Glass Community Stadium. Following on from a fortnight night ago, with a first win under Jason Strange versus Llanelli the camp is in a happy mood and knows there is still plenty to come.
“We’re still learning about each other, but we need consistency as a group and individually. When people did their jobs, we looked half decent, and we need to keep that level up,” said Jason.
This will be the first meeting between the sides since February 29th, 2020 – nearly two years following Covid. That one ended 6-6, and with a red weather warning for much of South Wales this weekend it’s fair to say it could be another close, low-scoring affair.
The Steelmen’s first league win of the season, and first of any kind since September saw them leapfrog both Swansea and Bridgend, who remain winless. Quins, however, have been rampant to get their league campaign underway. They currently sit top of the league having played four times already and will pose both a powerful forward threat and a potent backline.
“I thought tonight was the first real sign of being near where we want our culture to be. We looked like a team that wanted to play for each other for the first time and I hope that continues into Carmarthen,” Jason added.
Supporters are reminded to remain vocal at all times and you can purchase tickets here: Indigo Welsh Premiership – Saturday 19th February – Carmarthen | EVRFC
Let’s pack the bank and make sure Carmarthen #FEELTHESTEEL
By Robert Rees
Ebbw Vale Side To Play Quins
Your Steelmen squad to take on Carmarthen Quins this Saturday 2:30pm at the CiNER Glass Community Stadium in the Indigo Welsh Premiership.
We ask all supporters to pre purchase your tickets here online in advance https://www.evrfc.co.uk/product/indigo-welsh-premiership-saturday-19th-february-carmarthen/
15 Dan Haymond
14 Dafydd Howells
13 Dom Franchi (Capt)
12 Ethan Phillips
11 Carrick McDonough
10 Evan Lloyd
9 Matthew Flanagan
8 Lewis Young
7 Owen Young
6 Alex Howes
5 Dan Hill
4 Ethan Doyle
3 Dave Whiting
2 Harry Bee
1 Ross Jones
Replacements
16 Mikhail Blake
17 Rob Sevenoaks
18 Joel Harris
19 Lance Randall
20 Joe Thomas
21 Jonathan Evans
22 Rhys Jones
23 Ryan Evans
Ebbw Vale RFC is delighted to announce the signings of Joe Thomas from Cross Keys RFC and Lewis Kinsella from USK RFC.
Joe joins the club as an open side flanker and has worked under Jason previously with Wales U18s and follows in father Gavin’s footsteps in wearing the red, green and white at Eugene Cross Park. Signed at the same time, Lewis is a talented loose head prop who will add depth to the Ebbw Vale front row.
Joe will cover the gap in the squad with Dawid Rubasniak being ruled out by injury for the rest of the season