Ebbw Vale v Pontypridd Match Report

Ebbw Vale extended their unbeaten start to the season to two wins from two after defeating Pontypridd at CiNER Glass Community Stadium Eugene Cross Park

The Steelmen entered the game high in confidence having overcome Merthyr at the death in last weeks Welsh Premiership Cup game at The Wern.

In a reasonably dominant first half for Ebbw, flyhalf Lewis K Williams, who kicked the winning points last week, landed two penalties meaning the hosts went into half-time leading 6-0, despite going down a man for 10 minutes after centre Ethan Phillips was sent to the sun bin for a late tackle.

After the break, Ebbw were once again reduced to 10 men as Alex Grey was sent to the sin bin. Pontypridd outside-half Ben Burnell, son of their coach Justin, who was voted man of the Match by the Pontypridd fans in their previous game, landed Pontys first points.

In the latter quarter of the game Williams and Burnell traded a penalty each before Ebbw centre Dom Franchi scored the forth try of the day, proving to be the difference between the two sides on the night.

Ebbw now remain the only unbeaten side in the East conference of the Welsh Premiership Cup sitting top of the table with 8 points.

Head coach Greg Woods commented; “We are extremely happy to win on Saturday as it was always going to be a tough encounter versus a proud club like Pontypridd RFC. I felt we controlled possession and terrority well and showed some nice glimpses of the attacking game that we want to impose on sides this year. Areas to work on is obviously cutting out the 2 yellow cards (although I thought we managed those 10 minutes periods superbly a man down) and also being more ruthless with scoring opportunities we felt we left a few out there. Turning our attention to this week it’s a huge challenge coming our way in the shape of Cardiff RFC. They have the most resources at there disposal but we will be certainly going all out and preparing well for the game on Saturday. The players are certainly looking forward to the challenge this weekend”.

This week The Steelmen welcome the blue & blacks of Cardiff RFC to CiNER Glass Community Stadium Eugene Cross Park in a top of the table clash.

The community of Ebbw Vale are once again encouraged to come down and #PackTheBank for a day of entertaining rugby, refreshments and banter at CiNER Glass Community Stadium  Eugene Cross Park.

Video highlights here  https://youtu.be/hB6ZzC3vpbU