Category Archives: Ebbw Vale Rugby
There was a well attended Question and Answer session at the Welfare Club on Tuesday evening, with Head Coach Nigel Davies and Chairman Jonathan Jones answering supporters questions on a whole array of EVRFC-related matters. Here are some selected highlights that have been edited to maintain confidentiality where appropriate:
Q. Nigel, do you plan to stay for a few more seasons?
ND: I plan to stay as long as possible, it’s local for me as I live in Usk. JJ: He’s had other offers but has chosen to stay with us.
Q: You have been doing a lot more TV and radio lately, is that another route of your career to go alongside the coaching or instead of the coaching?
ND: I certainly enjoy it but can’t make a living out of it! But it’s something I enjoy. I’ve done very little this season, actually, but did contribute to the World Cup and the under 20’s games.
Q: Are you Looking for sponsors for next year?
JJ: Sponsorship is very difficult in this part of the world, and we rely on brilliant local sponsors who have been with us for years. Of course we always need more and, as Nigel says, with decreasing funding available we have to keep looking. The market drives what we do. Ideas are always needed such as match ball sponsors, and the gate money is also important. Small chunks work well.
Q: Can you and the players start coming into the bar after the games?
ND: Yes we are mindful that this should happen and it has slipped away this season. Players do want to do it as so many of them are local too. Martin (Cooke) came on board to support the club, in management and organising the team, chasing them regarding training and ensuring they’re mindful of their commitments.
Q: What can the Addicts do for you to help, what do you expect from us?
ND: It’s great the players know that there’s a core of supporters behind them and they definitely perform as a result of that. The players have a responsibility to them, their families and supporters, and they understand that culture, being local.
Q: Could we publish more information on line about players injuries and recovery?
ND: We can facilitate some information on injuries where appropriate. However we don’t want the opposing teams to know who’s injured.
Q: Will pre season training still be local?
ND: Pre-season will be predominantly local. There will be different work on skills like conditioning which is most important. However, we do want to mix it up a little such as working on the beach as they are good for grappling and contact.
Q: If Sam (Nigel’s son) isn’t playing for the Ospreys can we have him?
ND: Yes we asked but no we can’t…
Q: Do you agree that the new website is too complicated?
JJ: We’re not going backwards. It more modern, with more pictures and I think this is easier to maintain and use.
Q: Nigel, you talk about there being so many phases in the game. What is meant by this?
ND: Statistically if you work six phases you’re more likely to get the penalty. We have created a lot of opportunities from this. Our mantra is always “Sets of six”.
Q: Can we make these Q&A sessions a regular thing?
JJ: Yes absolutely fine with this, if we do it quarterly we’ll stop the void of non-factual information circulating.
The postponed match between Ebbw Vale and Crosskeys will take place on Tuesday, April 5th, kicking off at 7:15pm.
Ebbw’s final home game of the regular league season will now be played on Sunday, April 24th, kicking off at 5:15pm. This is because S4C have picked up their option to show a Premiership game live and have chosen our fixture with Aberavon as the plum tie of the weekend.
Ebbw Vale will play Llandovery at home in the quarter final of the Swalec Cup on Saturday, April 9th, kicking off at 2:30pm.
Head Coach Nigel Davies will hold a Question and Answer session on the evening of March 22nd, starting at 8 pm in the club. Come along and ask Nigel about his thoughts on the season so far and his plans for the games ahead and next season. http://casinopelit.vuodatus.net/lue/2016/08/parhaat-kasino-bonukset
Head Coach Nigel Davies makes just two changes to the starting line up for Saturday afternoon’s home match with league leaders and reigning champions, Pontypridd (kicking off at 1:30). Cameron Regan and Mathew Williams start for Ebbw, in for Rhys Clarke and Joe Franchi respectively.
The team is: Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Chris Levesley; Iain Smerdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Mathew Williams, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Cameron Regan, Ronny Kynes, Luke Crocker. Subs: Joe Franchi, Ian George, Rob Sevenoaks, Joe Bartlett, Ethan Doyle, Dai Jones, Dai Langdon, Jordan Howells.
We have received this letter from Ryan Jones, who is the newly-appoainted Head of Rugby Participation at the WRU.
“Following on from the letter in October regarding the nationwide participant survey, we are pleased to announce that the survey is now live. The link to complete the survey is:
www.wru.wales/shapeourgame
The survey is a chance for everyone in Wales to have their say and help shape the game for the future. The survey will help generate insight and understanding into player’s (both active and lapsed) motivations and behaviours for getting involved in rugby. The survey has a specific focus on youth and adult male participation.
The insight generated will help shape a set of proposals aimed at addressing the player retention issues we are experiencing in the game.
I thank you very much for your assistance in this matter.”
The Ebbw Vale team to play Llanelli tomorrow (March 5th) at Eugene Cross Park is as follows:
Dan Haymond; David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Chris Levesley; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Joe Franchi, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Luke Crocker. Subs: Mathew Williams, Ian George, Rob Sevenoaks, Cameron Regan, Ethan Doyle, Dai Jones, Iain Smerdon, Jordan Howells.
The match kicks off at 2:30pm.
Tonight’s (02/03/16) minis and juniors match up between RTB Steelers and Risca has fallen victim to the weather and will be re-scheduled for later this month.
Ebbw Vale visit Newcastle Emlyn tomorrow afternoon (February 27th), for the re-arranged Swalec Cup match.
The team is:
Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Adam Jones, Chris Levesley; Iaian Smerdon, Dai Jones; Ross Jones, Joe Franchi, Rob Sevenoaks; Joe Bartlett, Ashley Sweet (capt); Luke Crocker, Cameron Regan, Ethan Doyle.
Subs: Mathew Williams, Ian George, Lloyd Bridges, Damien Hudd, Ronny Kynes, Chris Thomas, Dai Langdon, Jordan Howells.
The weather claimed another victim on Saturday when Cross Keys were forced into a late postponemnt of their game with the Steelmen. The Pandy Park pitch was unplayable and the decision to call it off was announced at 1:30.
For the record, the Ebbw team was: Dan Haymond, Chris Levesley, Iain Smerdon, Nathan Preece, David Williams; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Joe Franchi, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Luke Crocker. Subs: Jonny Bowen, Ian George, Robert Sevenoaks, Joe Bartlett, Cameron Regan, Ethan Doyle, Dai Jones, Jordan Howells.
We are very grateful to Nantyglo RFC and Newbridge RFC for allowing permits for Dai Jones and Jonny Bowen. Kasino Netissä :: kasinopelitfi – Netticasino
Our postponed cup match at Newcastle Emlyn has been rearranged for Saturday, February 27th. This is the scheduled Quarter Final weekend so the winner will need to rearrange their Quarter Final match.
Our league game at Cross Keys on 20th February will go ahead as planned.
The team to play Newport at Rodney Parade this evening (Tuesday) is as follows
Dan Haymond (Captain), Craig Duncan, Srdan Majkic, Jordan Howells, Rhys Howells; Simon Veall, Dai Jones; Ian George, Joe Franchi, Lloyd Bridges; Joe Bartlett, Daniel Horler; Cameron Regan, Ben Papp, Michael Jones. Bench: Nicky Thomas, Lewis Morham, Stefan Blackmore, Harrison Fry, Craig Powell, Blain Meek, James Hall, Kier Hughes.
Many thanks to all the clubs who have granted permits for this game. it is much appreciated. onlinecasinohex.linkgoed.nl Casino-gokken – Online Casino Spellen
This article, written by Roy ‘REL’ Lewis, appeared in the match day magazine for Ebbw’s home match with Llandovery on January 30th, 2016.
GRAHAM POWELL – OUR FIRST INTERNATIONAL
In March 1957 Ebbw Vale celebrated when the Welsh selectors announced the team to play Ireland at the Arms Park. We had lost to England and Scotland and changes were called for, one of them was centre Graham Powell who had shown outstanding form in a successful Ebbw Vale side. He was our first capped player and one of our greatest centres.
Former player and Chairman of the club Allan Foster was among many saddened at the news of Graham’s death at the age of 83 but has many happy memories of him. “Graham Powell lived opposite me in Duffryn Road, Waunlwyd and was my boyhood hero. He went to Ebbw Vale Grammar School and Bristol University and went on to work in the petrol industry with Shell where he made quite a name for himself before moving to Total Oil where he became the top man in the UK.
“I remember he came to our Centenary Dinner in March 1980 and arrived in a chauffer driven car! He stayed in the Manor Hotel, Crickhowell where the Dinner was held. He told me how much he enjoyed such a memorable evening.
“Graham first played alongside Peter Clubb in the centre and when Peter went to Wigan he then formed a strong partnership with Dai Barrett from Blaina. His shoulder was first dislocated by a tackle in an Ebbw Vale game at Pontypool and he continued to have shoulder trouble after that. He would certainly have played more games for Wales had it not been for his shoulder and he retired fairly early at about 28 years of age. He was a charming man who was part of a great Ebbw Vale team in the Fifties.”
Graham Powell was a local man, born in Waunlwyd, educated in Ebbw Vale, played his first senior game for Cwm and finally was capped by Wales. Apart from his rugby feats, fellow pupils in the Grammar School remember his all-round athleticism, his academic qualities and perhaps above all his personality and as Allan Foster has said, his charm.
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An interesting look back at Graham’s time at Ebbw Vale County School, written by Eric Smith, can be accessed on the Ebbw Vale County Grammar School website, here.
Table toppers Llandovery visit Eugene Cross Park this Saturday afternoon (2:30) and Ebbw know this is a very significant one for their hopes of making the play-offs. Just 7 points separate the top 6, and Ebbw are currently 3 points off a top 3 spot, but will be wary of a Drovers side that put 50 unanswered points on them at Church Bank eary this season.
The Ebbw line up is:
15 Daniel Haymond, 14 David Williams, 13 Nathan Preece, 12 Iain Smerdon, 11 Jared Rosser; 10 David Langdon, 9 Christopher Thomas; 1 Ross Jones, 2 Mathew Williams, 3 Gethin Robinson; 4 Damien Hudd (Captain), 5 Ashley Sweet; 6 Rhys Clarke, 7 Ronny Kynes, 8 Ethan Doyle. Bench: 16 Joseph Franchi, 17 Robert Sevenoaks, 18 Ian George, 19 Joseph Bartlett, 20 Cameron Regan, 21 David Jones, 22 Jordan Howells,
23 Christopher Levesley.
The British and Irish Cup comes to Eugene Cross Park this Saturday, January 23rd, when a “Gwent Premiership Select XV” play Connacht Eagles, kicking off at 2 pm. This is an ‘all-pay’ game, and admission prices are £10 for adults, £5 concessions and under 16s go free.
The team is: Llywarch Ap Myrddin (Newport RFC), George Gasson, Connor Edwards (Dragons Academy/ Bedwas), Ross Wardle (Dragons), Aled Brew (Dragons), Josh Prosser (Cross Keys), Owen Davies (Dragons/ Newport RFC); Hugh Gustafson © (Dragons), Rhys Buckley (Dragons), Lloyd Fairbrother (Dragons), Scott Andrews (Dragons/ Cross Keys), Adam Brown (Newport RFC), Scott Matthews (Cross Keys), James Benjamin (Dragons), Harri Keddie (Dragons/ Ebbw Vale).
Replacements: Luke Garrett (Dragons/ Cross Keys), Leon Brown (Dragons Academy/ Cross Keys), Josh Skinner (Dragons Academy/ Cross Keys), Andrew Waite (Bedwas), Owain Leonard (Dragons Academy/ Cross Keys), Barney Nightingale (Dragons/ Newport RFC), Aaron Warren (Dragons).
Due to adverse weather, and having already had to postpone the game away at Newport, the Challenge Cup game this evening, Wednesday, 20th January, will now be played at the all weather facility at Ystrad Mynach, kicking off at 8pm. Entry is free for season ticket holders and £8/£5 for adults and concessions.
Be aware there is no catering at the Ystrad Mynach facility but there are a couple of pubs in the immediate vicinity. Below the address of the Centre of Sporting Excellence :-
Caerphilly Road,
Ystrad Mynach,
Caerphilly
CF82 7EP
The team is Chris Levesley, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Iain Smerdon, Jared Rosser; Simon Veall, Tom Edwards; Ian George (capt), Joe Franchi, Robert Sevenoaks; Rhys Clarke, Daniel Horler; Cameron Regan, Dawid Rubasniak, Ethan Doyle.
Bench: Mathew Williams, Ross Jones, Gethin Robinson, Damien Hudd, Ronny Kynes, Dai Jones, Dai Langdon, Daniel Haymond.
Many thanks to Newport Gwent Dragons, Abergavenny RFC, Oakdale RFC and Nantyglo RFC for their support in permiting players to us for this fixture.
Wing Owen Williams has decided to leave the club after limited game opportunities this season, and has joined local rivals Newport. Owen joined the club in the summer of 2014 from Pontypridd, played a major role in the club’s strong performance on our return to Premiership rugby and aided our transition from Championship rugby with his experience. Owen has been highly professional throughout his time at the club and we wish this highly likeable man all the best for the remainder of his rugby career
Also departing the Steelmen is young tight head prop Luke Leddington. Luke will switch to Newbridge in order to gain the consistent game time and training regime that he needs to progress at this stage of his carer. We fully expect to see Luke progress and return to challenge for a first team starting spot in the future.
Ebbw Vale will make their first trip in 20 years to Newcastle Emlyn in the 2nd round of the Swalec Cup. The game is to be played on the weekend of February 6th.
The draw in full is:
Newcastle Emlyn v Ebbw Vale
Beddau/Bridgend v Cross Keys
Newport/Carmarthen v Pontypool/Bedwas
Llanelli v Narberth/Merthyr
Llandovery v Newbridge
Pontypridd v Bridgend Athletic
Neath/Bargoed v Cardiff
RGC 1404 v Aberavon
Ebbw Vale will now not visit Newport for the Fosters Challenge Cup tie on Saturday as the Black and Ambers will face carmarthen in their Swalec Cup match, postponed from last Sunday. Instead, we will visit Newport on Tuesday, February 2nd, kick off to be confirmed.
Please note that the kick off for the home game against Pontypridd (March 12th) has been moved to 1:30pm to avoid a clash with the England v Wales match that kicks off at 4pm in Twickenham.
Ebbw Vale will now play Cardiff at the Arms Park on the evening of February 12th, kicking off at 7:30 pm. The game has been brought forward from the Saturday afternoon as it would have clashed with the Wales v Scotland international match next door.
There is believed to be no truth in the rumour that the Scottish Rugby Union declined the WRU’s offer to move their game to the Friday night.
Nigel Davies has selected his team to take on Neath at the Gnoll on Saturday afternoon, kicking off at 2:30.
Dan Haymond, David Williams, Nathan Preece, Iain Smerdon, Jared Rosser; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ian George, Joe Franchi, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Rhys Clarke; Cameron Regan, Ronny Kynes, Luke Crocker.
Bench: Mathew Williams, Ross Jones, Lloyd Bridges, Dawid Rubasniak, Ethan Doyle, Dai Jones, Chris Levesley, Jordan Howells.
The bench features 17 year old Dawid Rubasniak, the first of Jason Strange’s Ebbw Fawr Welsh Cup Final team to be part of an Ebbw Vale league squad; he has also recently joined the Dragons Academy. Scrum half Dai Jones is also on the bench, on permit from Bedwas, the club he joined from Ebbw in the close season. Many thanks to our friends at Bedwas for their help.
Neath have not been enjoying the best of seasons, losing 12 and drawing 1 of their 13 league matches. However, their Boxing Day draw with Aberavon will have boosted their confidence and Ebbw will need to be on top form if they are to secure the season’s double over the All Blacks.
The Ebbw Vale team to take on Bedwas in the third of three consecutive matches has been announced.
Dan Haymond, Jared Rosser, Nathan Preece, Iain Smerdon, David Williams; Dai Langdon, Chris Thomas; Ross Jones, Mathew Williams, Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet, Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Harri Keddie. Bench: Joe Franchi, Ian George, Rob Sevenoaks, Cameron Regan, Luke Crocker, James hall, Jordan Howells, Owen Williams.
The club shop will be open on Wednesday 23rd December for some last minute Christmas Shopping. The shop will be open between 5pm and 9pm.
Items in stock: Replica Shirts, T-Shirts, Polo Shirts, Rain Jackets, Baseball Caps, Beanies, Mugs, Calendars and some handmade Steelmen Jewellery. (Hoodies – limited stock)
All Snyder Jackets are now in stock. Those who have pre-ordered them can collect them tomorrow evening.
We have also had a number of body warmers and formal shirts delivered.
The Steelmen make a large number of changes for round 4 of the Fosters Challenge Cup at home to Bedwas on Wednesday evening, kick off 7:15. The team is as follows:
15 Tom Watkins, 14 Owen Williams, 13 Srdan Majkic, 12 Jordan Howells, 11 Jared Rosser; 10 Simon Veall, 9 Jac Jonathan; 1 Ian George, 2 Joseph Franchi, 3 Lloyd Bridges; 4 Damien Hudd (capt), 5 Anthony Brown; 6 Cameron Regan, 7 Dawid Rubasniak, 8 Ethan Doyle.
Bench: 16 Mathew Williams, 17 Ross Jones, 18 Robert Sevenoaks, 19 Harrison Fry,
20 Benjamin Papp, 21 James Hall, 22 Iain Smerdon, 23 Rhys Howells.
Many thanks to Rogerstone RFC, Oakdale RFC, Newbride RFC, Penallta RFC, Pill Harriers RFC, Caldicot RFC and Newport Gwent Dragons for permitting their players for this fixture. Gastenboek – Gokkasten + Casino Spellen + Online Casinos
Ebbw Vale travel to Bedwas this afternoon (December 12th) for the third of their Fosters Challenge Cup matches, and the first of three consecutive meetings with the Bridge Field men.
The team is: Chris Levesley, David Williams, Tom Watkins, Jordan Howells, Owen WIlliams; Iain Smerdon, Tom Edwards; Ross Jones (Captain), Joe Franchi, Lloyd Bridges; Joe Bartlett, Rhys Clarke, Ronny Kynes, Ben Papp, Ethan Doyle. Subs from squad.