Match Report – Pontypool RFC 13 Ebbw Vale RFC 18

Ebbw Win Away at Pontypool

The Steelmen came away from Pontypool Park on Saturday with a hard fought win, in a game that was played in wet weather conditions.

The home side took the lead after ex Ebbw player Kieran Meek slotted a penalty through the centre of the posts to score the first points of the afternoon.

Despite the away side not making the most of their opportunities, the first try of the afternoon came to Ebbw. From a lineout inside the Pooler half, a darting run by scrum half Gruff Tough saw the young number nine show his pace and nimble feet to avoid being tackled and score the opening try of the game. Outside half Evan Lloyd duly kicked the conversion.

A further penalty by the hosts fly half Meek saw the home side go into the break only one point behind.

Half Time: Pontypool RFC 6 Ebbw Vale RFC 7

Shortly into the second half, the Steelmen struck again. From quick ball, some quick, smooth passing in midfield saw the ball make its way out to flanker Kobi Rees on the wing. With the line in front of him, the flanker used his strength to cross the line out wide for Ebbw Vale’s second try of the afternoon. Lloyd on this occasion was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Moments later some good footwork by the visitor’s scrumhalf Tough, saw the number nine control the ball excellently. With the line in front of him the scrum half was not able to keep hold of the ball, to extend the lead further.

Midway through the second half, Ebbw Vale made seven substitutions at once. Replacement forwards Luke Garrett, Joe Franchi, Adam Williams, Dylan Bartlett, Sion Parry and Jacob Hopkins came on for Morgan Williams, Ieuan Morris, Adam Court, Kobi Rees, Cameron Regan and Lewis Young in the pack. An injury to Cameron Davies saw the young inform centre be replaced by scrum half Rory Harries, in what saw an adjustment to the backline.

With the Pontypool pack going through some phases, the home side took the lead for the first time in the afternoon. Number eight Morgan Allen powered his way over the line to score Pooler’s only try of the afternoon. Meek successfully added the two points.

However, the away side were to take advantage of the hosts ill-discipline during the last ten minutes. Two penalties by Evan Lloyd saw the Steelmen get over the line and claim the victory.

Full Time: Pontypool RFC 13 Ebbw Vale RFC 18

Try scorers:  Gruff Tough (1), Kobi Rees (1)

Conversion: Evan Lloyd (1)

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)

Ebbw Vale’s next game sees them return to league action on Thursday 20^th February 2025, where the shield is on the line against Newport RFC at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium in front of the S4C Clic camera’s. Kick off is 7:30pm.