Proper clubs, proper ground, proper Gwent derby, played in proper Ebbw Vale and Newport colours.
Sadly for those of us who support our club at the top end of the valley, the result was not what we wanted, and will serve as a wake up call to the players and coaching staff at Eugene Cross Park.
For the third week running, the Steelmen started slowly and found themselves 0-10 down. But they managed to turn that around and go in 14-13 up at the interval (should have been 21-13 but centre Adam Jones lacked the pace to outsprint the Newport defence) largely thanks to an excellent Wes Cunliffe try.
Cunliffe scored again in the second half, but Newport kept stealing Ebbw's lineout ball, thereby denying them a valuable platform. A constant penalty count against Ebbw took its toll, and, despite being outscored 2 tries to 1, the visitors from Rodney Parade took the spoils.
The officials were poor and did Ebbw little favours, but Ebbw blew the chances to win including a missed conversion and late penalties which could have nicked a draw or even a win.
Ebbw's coaching staff will be left rue missed chances, the omission of hooker Matthew Williams and an aimless kicking game.
Next up is Cross keys away before the return fixture at Newport.
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