It was a bitterly disappointing afternoon at Eugene Cross Park for home supporters as Ebbw Vale fell limply to a comprehensive 44-17 home defeat at the hands of old Gwent rivals Newport.
A promising start to the season with 2 wins had stalled recently with defeats in North Wales to RGC and at home to Cardiff.
The Steelmen started brightly with a well worked backs' move yielding a Dafydd Howells try converted by Ethan Phillips.
Unfortunately, things degenerated from there with just a penalty to please home fans before half time, but 25 points from the visitors, including 3 tries.
Newport were simply better; fitter, faster and stronger.
This set the pattern for the second half, in which Newport scored a further 3 tries, made all the easier by poor home discipline leading to numerous yellow cards. A converted Dafydd Howells try restored some dignity for the men in red, green and white.
It was the most unGwent-like Gwent derby, with a lack of fire and passion especially from Ebbw. Newport thoroughly deserved their win and played great rugby, always willing to run the ball with pace and power to the fore.
1st half pictures
2nd half pictures
No comments:
Post a Comment