Ebbw Vale 18 Newport 27, Super Rygbi Cymru Final, 17/05/2025

It was not to be.

Ebbw Vale's loyal supporters were left bitterly disappointed as, yet again, the Steelmen failed to deliver when it mattered most and added to a list of last gasp defeats in major final games, including several over the years against local rivals Newport.

In front of a large crowd of almost 4,000 spectators, including many, boisterous and colourful, who had travelled up the valley from Newport, it was the visitors who went away delighted, as, in scenes reminiscent of halcyon days for club rugby, the Black and Ambers lifted the inaugural Syper Rugby Cymru trophy.

On a glorious Sunday afternoon, Ebbw started the stronger, with Evan Lloyd kicking an early pernalty. Jac Lloyd responded in kind for the visitors.

But Ebbw's kicking was starting to get wayward. Missed touch, kicking dead, and misplaced box kicks all gave impetus to Newport and their confidence grew. In a dominant period before half time, the pressure told as Newport 9 Dafydd Buckland went over converted by Lloyd, followed by a backs' break ultimately leading to Lloyd ghosting over and converting. These tries were separated by an Ebbw penalty kicked by Evan Lloyd.

Half time Ebbw 6 Newport 17

The home side had it all to do after the break, but there was hope as the Steelmen had reversed such deficits on several occasions over the season. It was to be prove more difficult now, especially with captain fantastic Joe Franchi off injured.

Nonetheless, the Steelmen started like a side energised by a half time team talk. A good break led to pressure and Gruff Tough kicked cross-field for Ewan Bowden to touchdown making it 11-17.

Unfortunately, Newport full back Carwyn Penny struck back with his kick through bouncing kindly for him to cross the whitewash converted by Jac Lloyd.

Ebbw came back again with good turnover ball leading to a pick and drive from Curtis Gregory converted by Evan Lloyd.

 

In truth, the visitors did enough to neuter Ebbw's scrum and maul strength, and sealed victory with another Lloyd penalty, despite frantic Ebbw pressure in the last 10 minutes.

The whole match is on you tube here.