Ebbw Vale were deserved victors in this hard fought Boxing Day clash after running in three excellent first half tries, and then adding 2 penalties in the second half.
The game only went ahead after an 11 am inspection, necessary due to the heavy rain experienced over the Christmas period. Eugene Cross Park was in great condition nonetheless, and the only weather hazard was the fierce southerly wind blowing up the valley.
Ebbw played against the wind first half and supporters were delighted to take a 20-10 lead before the switcharound. A classic Catch'n'Kynes maul, a Jared Rosser breakaway and a neat handling move finished by Dan Haymond, saw three tries in the bag early on.
Bedwas rallied after the interval, and some excellent Ebbw defence repelled their attacks time and again. Ebbw didn't use the wind at their backs that well, and really should have done enough to secure a fourth try and a bonus point. Oddly, captain Hudd chose to go for goal in the dying moments when the game was already won at 22-10.
That said, Ebbw fans would have settled for 24-10 at 2.30, given the scraps we've had with Bedwas, and the players should be praised for an outstandingly committed display. The defence was superb.
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