Match Report – Ebbw Vale RFC 32 Cardiff RFC 20
Ebbw Go Top
The Steelmen provided a stirring second half performance to keep hold of the SRC Challenger Shield and move top of the league, after a game of two halves.
After early pressure by the home side, an interception on the Cardiff twenty-two by away winger Edmund Anya, saw the winger run the length of the field unopposed to score the games opening try. Number ten Fraser Jones added the two points.
Within five minutes the Rags scored their second try of the afternoon. Good forward play by the visitors, was rewarded by hooker Alun Rees crossing the line. Jones again added the extras.
The away side extended their lead further when referee Ben Connor awarded Cardiff a penalty inside the Ebbw half. Jones sending the kick through the middle of the posts to extend the lead to seventeen points.
The hosts soon got back into the game. Good play by the forwards saw the ball end up in the hands of centre Cameron Davies. With a lot to do, the young centre showed strength to go over the line close to the touchline, despite the efforts of the covering Rags defence. The club’s top points scorer Evan Lloyd was successful with the conversion.
Despite the best efforts of both sides, no further points were added to the scoreboard during the half.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 7 Cardiff RFC 17
The home side were forced into a change at half time. Winger Ewan Bowden was replaced by Ieuan Evans, due to injury.
Further changes by Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange saw props Luke Garrett and Adam Court replace Morgan Davies and Adam Williams.
The try of the afternoon came within thirteen minutes of the second half. With the ball on the Ebbw twenty-two, an excellent break by young centre Cameron Davies, saw the Steelman draw the defence and pass to the supporting Rory Harries inside the away side’s half. With defenders closing, the scrum half passed to number eight Ryan Jenkins, who from around the visitors twenty-two, showed his pace to go over under the posts for an excellent team try. Lloyd again added the two points to reduce the deficit to three points.
Within five minutes, Ebbw took the lead for the first time during the afternoon. With the forwards on top, a dominant scrum ended with number eight Jenkins showing his strength to go over the try line, despite the Rags best efforts. However, on this occasion, Lloyd was unable to add the extras.
On the hour mark, Cardiff were reduced to fourteen men, when after a clearing kick, replacement Jarred Williams put in a late hit on outside half Lloyd, which left referee Connor with no other option but to send Williams to the sin bin for ten minutes.
The Steelmen made the most of their numerical advantage with Lloyd adding three points from the tee after referee Connor awarded the home side a penalty.
Moments later, the away side made it a two-point game when Fraser Jones again sent the ball through the uprights after Cardiff were awarded a penalty by referee Connor.
Ebbw Vale coach Strange replaced captain Joe Franchi with Ieuan Morris. Within minutes the home side extended their lead back to five points when Lloyd was again successful with the penalty.
Further changes by Ebbw Vale saw flanker Sion Parry and number eight Ryan Jenkins be replaced by Ben Main and Lewis Young.
Deep into injury time, the Steelmen scored their bonus point try. After sustained pressure by Ebbw Vale in the visitor`s twenty-two, the ball made its way out towards outside half Lloyd, who with a two man overlap decided to go himself and score, despite being tackled by the covering defence. Lloyd added the two points with the final kick of the game.
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange will be happy to come away with five points against the then league leaders. Plans now turn to the Gwent derby double header against Pontypool RFC over the Christmas season.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 32 Cardiff RFC 20
Ebbw Vale MOTM: Cameron Davies
Scorers
Tries: Cameron Davies (1), Ryan Jenkins (2), Evan Lloyd (1)
Conversions: Evan Lloyd (3) Penalties: Evan Lloyd (2)
Congratulations to Morgan Davies for making his 50th appearance for the Steelmen
After the game, we spoke with flanker Sion Parry. Sion was happy with the outcome of the game, although he was frustrated with how the first thirty minutes had panned out, feeling that some calls were going against the team, especially at set piece. However, Sion praised the team for sticking in there and to the game plan and it ended with a worthwhile victory and the team collecting the five points against a good side.
Next up for the Steelmen is the first of a double header away to Pontypool on Saturday 21 December 2024, with kick off at 2:30pm at Pontypool Park.
Pictures courtesy of Ebbw Players
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans