By David Parsons
Ebbw Vale have avenged their only defeat of the campaign so far in Super Rygbi Cymru as they came from behind to beat Cardiff 32-20 at Eugene Cross Park and replace them at the top of the table.
The 29-12 reverse they suffered at the Arms Park in round two back in September provided added motivation for The Steelmen, who had reeled off six consecutive wins since that setback.
However, they found themselves trailing as it was Cardiff who hit the front early in the return clash in their bid to move further ahead in the table and also wrestle the SRC Challenger Shield from Ebbw’s grasp.
Ebbw Vale RFC 32 Cardiff RFC 20
Match Report is now online: https://t.co/qINw5NinVb
Congratulations to Morgan Davies for making his 50th appearance for the Steelmen on Saturday#FeelTheSteel@AllWalesSport @TheSRCPodcast pic.twitter.com/QHHeN5umZC
— Ebbw Vale Rugby (@evrfc) December 16, 2024
The Blue & Blacks gave themselves the perfect start as they opened up a 17-0 lead inside 20 minutes, courtesy of tries from Kenya Sevens international Edmund Anya and hooker Alun Rees. Outside half Fraser Jones converted both and kicked a penalty.
But Ebbw hit back through outside centre Cameron Davies, before No 8 Ryan Jenkins’ second half brace turned the game on its head. Then home outside half Evan Lloyd made sure of the bonus point and a magnificent seventh straight win in the closing stages.
Dan Haymond Appointed @evrfc Team Manager @haymond10
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❤️@AllWalesSport @argussport @WelshRugbyUnion @IndigoGroupPrem pic.twitter.com/oJzlrjjL66— Ebbw Vale Rugby (@evrfc) May 24, 2022
Lloyd also kicked three conversions and two penalties for a match haul of 17 points. Jones’ second penalty was the only time Cardiff registered points in the second half.
“We were really disappointed with ourselves in how we performed in Cardiff, so it was nice to get the win against them – and especially coming from 17-0 down,” said Ebbw Vale team manager Dan Haymond.
“Although we were 17-0 down, we always felt like we were in control of the game, and we never really felt the game was gone. We knew we were still in it.”
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In addition, it also marked Ebbw’s second successful defence of the SRC Challenger Shield they wrestled away from inaugural ‘holders’ Llandovery back in October.
Similar to New Zealand’s Ranfurly Shield, the ‘holder’ will put up the Shield for competition in every home game in the regular league season. They will next defend it against Pontypool on 28 December.
That match will be the second clash of their upcoming double header against Gwent rivals Pooler with The Steelmen heading to Pontypool Park on Saturday.
Full time at Ciner Glass Community Stadium and Ebbw Vale take the win.
Ebbw Vale – 32
Cardiff – 20#BlueAndBlacks @AllWalesSport pic.twitter.com/GQ0Z8rN7Dt— Cardiffrfc (@Cardiff_RFC) December 14, 2024
“The Shield is an added incentive and does give it that little bit extra to the home games. It’s a nice addition to be honest,” said Haymond.
“We’ve got some tough games. We’ve still got to play Newport twice and it’s Pontypool back-to-back now, which is going to be tasty.
“We feel like we’re in a good place but although the result against Cardiff looks good on paper, we feel there’s still lots of improvements to make as well.
“I’d like to think it’s given us an extra edge and that extra bit of fire in the belly but just hope that the boys don’t feel like the job is done – because there’s still a long way to go yet.”
Ebbw now lead the way by three points while this defeat for Cardiff ended their five-match winning streak. Dan Fish’s side will now bid to bounce back when Newport visit the Arms Park on Sunday.
