Ebbw Vale 16 Merthyr 20, Indigo Premiership Cup East, 23/10/2021

Ebbw Vale went down to successive Saturday, home derby defeats with this reverse against Heads of the Valleys rivals, Merthyr.

In fairness, this was a much tighter affair than last week's shambles against Newport, but nonetheless it was a game Ebbw could have won but it seems that confidence is low at the moment, with a string of squad injuries not helping.

Merthyr started the better and were 10-3 up quite quickly, with just a Ryan Evans penalty for the Steelmen. A second try extended the lead, with a late Joe Westwood penalty giving home fans some hope.

Ebbw improved in the second half as Westwood added a further penalty, but more Merthyr pressure sealed matters with a now 20-9 lead. A late Dafydd Howells try closed the scoreline somewhat, but the spoils in the Iron v Steel 'El Classico' went west.

1st half pictures

2nd half pictures

Ebbw Vale 17 Newport 44, Indigo Premiership Cup East, 16/10/2021

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

Ebbw Vale 16 Pontypridd 6, Indigo Group Premiership Cup East, 25/09/2021

It was great to be back watching competitive Welsh club rugby after an 18 month gap due to the global pandemic, and on a sunny afternoon at Eugene Cross Park, Ebbw Vale were worthy winners over Pontypridd in a hard-fought contest.

With the early part of the season dedicated to the Indigo Premiership Cup, the East Group looked a tough proposition with Newport, Cardiff and Merthyr also supplying tough opposition. Ebbw had opened with a win at Merthyr the previous Saturday.

The first half was a tight contest, with the packs battling it out. The home side held the edge and had two Lewis Williams penalties to show for it, giving them a 6-0 interval lead.

After the break, the Ebbw pack turned the screw, and, despite two Ponty penalties and one more from Williams, it was the home centre Dom Franchi who made the crucial touchdown, sending the Steelmen fans home happy.

Ebbw's players thank the fans

Ebbw's next game is a home match versus Cardiff.

Today's Match Ball Sponsor was Eye For Finance.

Madeira Summer 2021, TUI Blue, Hotel Madeira Gardens, Funchal

 It was great to get back onto a plane and enjoy an overseas holiday after an enforced gap of 2 years.

First time to Madeira, and very enjoyable it was too.