On the night that skipper Ronny Kynes made his 200th appearance for the club, Ebbw raced to a 17-3 lead in the first quarter and looked on course for a convincing win. Tries by Dai Jones and Carl Meyer, converted by Rhys Jones who added a penalty, put the Steelmen in front. The second quarter belonged to Newport, who took charge up front and used possession to release their backs. Three tries, by Chay Smith, Matt O’Brien and Elliot Frewen, all converted by O’Brien, turned the game on its head at 17-24, although a Rhys Jones penalty brought Ebbw back within 4 points at half time.

The second half was an even battle, dominated by defence. Both teams tried to play creative rugby but mistakes and solid opponents minimised opportunities. The only points came from an O’Brien penalty, and it was the Black and Ambers who deservedly took the 4 points, while Ebbw had to be content with a losing bonus. 

As the Steelmen’s injury list begins to shorten, they’ll be working hard to end a losing streak that has seen them slip from 1st to 8th in 4 games, but still just 6 points off second place.

Man of the Match was Dan Haymond, rock solid at the back and a constant threat on the counter attack.

15 Dan Haymond
14 Paul King
13 Carl Meyer
12 James Lewis
11 Toby Fricker
10 Rhys Jones
9 Dai Jones
8 Lewis Young
7 Ronny Kynes (c)
6 Cameron Regan
5 Paul Cuilini
4 Kristian Parker
3 Rob Sevenoaks
2 Rhys Francis
1 Ross Jones

16 Joe Franchi
17 Luke Garrett
18 Curtis Hicks
19 Rob Brookson
20 Owen Young
21 Matthew Flanagan
22 Aneurin Owen
23 Steff Thomas