Match Report Ebbw Vale 27 Cardiff 15

The Steelmen March On

Ebbw marched on to the semi-final of the WRU Premiership Cup following a second win over Cardiff this season.

Straight from the get go, the hosts took it to their visitors and after a lengthy period of pressure inside the 22, Evan Lloyd knocked over the game’s first points. The Ebbw scrum was rapidly becoming a difference maker and Lloyd added three more points shortly after.

The scrum has been a strong point this season and Ebbw were well on their way to continuing their unbeaten season at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium when the referee decided to award a penalty try off the back of yet another destructive scrum.

A late change to Cardiff’s line-up saw Harrison James move to fly half and assume kicking duties. Despite missing with his first attempt, he was back on track and closed the gap to 10 points with half an hour gone.

The last score of the half belonged to the Steelmen, who combined some fine handling skills amongst the backs that saw Ethan Phillips dart around the defence to grab Ebbw’s second of the day.

HT: Ebbw Vale 20-3 Cardiff

The Blue and Blacks came out of the blocks quickest, with Jason Strange’s men struggling to keep up in the third quarter. Tries from Alun Rees and replacement prop Eddie Drake bringing them back within five points.

The tension was almost unbearable at this point, but the supporters in green, red and white got behind their team one more time to push them to a game winning drive. Jon Evans’ beautifully weighted kick was pounced upon by Amir Jiwa-Walji, who had already made one devastating break just minutes prior, who raced over to score for the Steelmen.

Evan Lloyd’s successful conversion was to be the final score of the game and the hosts marched on to their first semi-final since 2018. The opponents will be one of Llandovery, Swansea or Merthyr.

FT: Ebbw Vale 27-15 Cardiff

Scorers: Tries: Ethan Phillips, Amir Jiwa-Walji, Penalty Try

Cons: Evan Lloyd (2)  Pens: Evan Lloyd (2)

The Steelmen return to league action on Saturday 16th December with the visit of Carmarthen Quins to the Ciner Glass Community Stadium with a 2.30pm kick off.

Thanks to Rob Rees for writing the report for this match