Four years on from their relegation from the top flight, Ebbw Vale regained their place in Welsh rugby's Premiership by securing the SWALEC Championship with five games to play and having won all 21 of their league games played.
In truth, the match was another routine win, by exactly the same scoreline as Newbridge had been dispatched midweek. You know the story, a totally dominant pack, marauding attackers and a driving maul perfected by a front five who know each other better than their wives.
It may have been April, but a Paris spring it wasn't, as top of the valley drizzle of both light and heavy varieties refused to dampen spirits with tries scored by Ronnie Keynes, Cameron Regan, Dan Haymond, Wes Cunliffe (2) Ashley Sweet, penalty and Dai James.
It's been a fantastic league season, 21 wins so far, all bar 2 with bonus points, and the professionalism and commitment displayed by players, coaches and all of the management team, culminating in this moment, is totally creditworthy. The club went through dark days several years ago, but after four years in the wilderness, and for three of which the Premiership was ring fenced for the WRU's chosen elite, we're back where we belong.
2010/11 Division One East Champions
2011/12 Division One East Champions
2012/13 SWALEC Championship winners
2013/14 SWALEC Championship winners, and promoted.
The Premiership will provide a different set of challenges no doubt, and the club will have to work hard to cement its place there again, but there is much confidence that we have the people in place both on and off the field to be able to do that.
No doubt, Ebbw will be seeking to end the season with a perfect 26 out of 26 league record.
Match pics
In truth, the match was another routine win, by exactly the same scoreline as Newbridge had been dispatched midweek. You know the story, a totally dominant pack, marauding attackers and a driving maul perfected by a front five who know each other better than their wives.
It may have been April, but a Paris spring it wasn't, as top of the valley drizzle of both light and heavy varieties refused to dampen spirits with tries scored by Ronnie Keynes, Cameron Regan, Dan Haymond, Wes Cunliffe (2) Ashley Sweet, penalty and Dai James.
It's been a fantastic league season, 21 wins so far, all bar 2 with bonus points, and the professionalism and commitment displayed by players, coaches and all of the management team, culminating in this moment, is totally creditworthy. The club went through dark days several years ago, but after four years in the wilderness, and for three of which the Premiership was ring fenced for the WRU's chosen elite, we're back where we belong.
2010/11 Division One East Champions
2011/12 Division One East Champions
2012/13 SWALEC Championship winners
2013/14 SWALEC Championship winners, and promoted.
The Premiership will provide a different set of challenges no doubt, and the club will have to work hard to cement its place there again, but there is much confidence that we have the people in place both on and off the field to be able to do that.
No doubt, Ebbw will be seeking to end the season with a perfect 26 out of 26 league record.
Match pics
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Sweet again
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The final whistle and all of the hard work has paid off
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We've done it
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Oaksie and Ronnie salute the fans
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Champagne rugby
The post match trophy presentation is here on you tube.
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