The Steel Daffodil: January 2018

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Ebbw Vale 43 Llanelli 15, Premiership, 30/12/17

With the East/West split now over, it was time to get down to the business part of season as Ebbw welcomed Llanelli to Eugene Cross Park in the Premiership. It was not a happy visit for those from the west as a blistering second half spell of 30 points in 20 minutes by the Steelmen sent the Sospans bach home with nothing.

Following last weekend's welcome victory over Bedwas, it wasn't a great start by the home side as they trailed 6-10 at half time. After the break it was a different story, with Ebbw's power pack and sparkle behind from Dorian Jones and Dan Haymond to name but two, as a four try bonus point victory was achieved to send the faithful few hundred regulars into New Year with optimism.

There's an excellent, detailed report on the Ebbw Vale RFC website.

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Ebbw Vale 33 Bedwas 17, Premiership East, 23/12/17

It has been a dismal autumn to be a fan of Ebbw Vale as the Premiership Champions of just 18 months ago have been made to look less than average in a number of fixtures this season in the Premiership East division.

Thankfully, December was the month that the club rightly decided to rid themselves of the coaching staff appointed in the summer and, until Greg Woods takes over in January, were able to use the services of ex Steelmen, Jason Strange and Ceri Jones.

The difference, in this the first match since the change, was tangible.

There was very much more of the Ebbw we know and love present here in this pre-Christmas fixture; spirit, energy, commitment, exemplified when the defence wasn't even breached despite being down to 12 men.

A detailed report can be read on the excellent Ebbw Vale RFC website.