Match Report – Pontypool RFC 23 Ebbw Vale RFC 16

Ebbw Lose Away From Home

Ebbw Vale’s unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday at Pontypool Park. An injury to top points scorer Evan Lloyd saw the away side make a late change to their starting fifteen, with coach Jason Strange handing a debut to new signing Gruffydd Tough.

The first half started quite brightly for the Steelmen, with the visitors spending time on the front foot inside the Pontypool half. Their territory was rewarded when debutant Tough slotted a penalty from inside the hosts half.

However, Pontypool soon struck back. A fine break by scrum half Morgan Lloyd, saw the young number nine offload to the supporting runner Pat Lewis, who went over for the first try of the afternoon. Ex Steelman Kieran Meek added the extras.

With the ball staying within the forwards, referee Rhys Jones awarded the visitors a penalty. Fly half Tough put the Steelmen into the Pooler twenty-two. From the lineout, the Ebbw forward’s set up a maul, which ended with hooker Joe Franchi adding to his tries for the season. On this occasion Tough was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Outside half Tough extended Ebbw’s lead to four points from a penalty after referee Jones penalised the home side.

Half Time: Pontypool RFC 7 Ebbw Vale RFC 11

The first try of the second half came to the home side when from a lineout inside the Steelmen’s twenty-two, number eight Morgan Allen went over the try line to put his team back in front. Fly half Meek was unable to add the extras.

Moments later, the hosts extended their lead further. A kick up the line saw the home side’s full back Lewis speed through and touch down the ball unopposed. Meek again was unsuccessful with kicking the conversion.

Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange started to make the changes. Replacement props Morgan Davies and Adam Williams came on for Luke Garrett and Adam Court.

The home side made their second half dominance pay, when number ten Meek kicked a huge penalty from just inside the opposition’s half, to put Pontypool over one score ahead.

Further changes by coach Strange, saw Joe Franchi, Jack Pope and minutes later Ryan Jenkins be replaced by Ieuan Morris, Ewan McIntyre and Lewis Young.

Another penalty by Pooler flyhalf Meek saw, the number ten extend his teams lead to twelve points.

Straight from the kick off, a charge down from a Pontypool ruck by centre Dom Franchi, saw the experienced centre chase the ball down, to score Ebbw`s second try of the afternoon and secure a losing bonus point for the Steelmen. Tough was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Despite the efforts of both sides, no further points were added to the scoreboard.

Full Time: Pontypool RFC 23 Ebbw Vale RFC 16

Scorers

Tries: Joe Franchi (1), Dom Franchi (1)

Penalties: Gruffydd Tough (2)

Pictures courtesy of Ebbw Players

Ebbw Vale’s next game is the reverse fixture against Pontypool RFC at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Saturday 28^th December 2024, with kick off at 2:30pm, where the SRC Challenger Shield will be on the line.

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans