Latest news with #Drovers
South Wales Argus
11-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Ebbw Vale to host Newport in Super Rygbi Cymru final
The Steelmen produced a simply stunning second half comeback against Llandovery, overturning a 16-point half time deficit to run out eventual 29-28 victors. Their reward is a home final against the Black and Ambers – who also came from behind in their semi at the Arms Park where they triumphed 35-20 over Cardiff. Ebbw head coach Jason Strange said: 'It's going to be a real tough challenge but one that everyone is really excited about. 'It's at home and we'll have a massive crowd and it'll be a great occasion.' Having lost out in Premiership league and cup semi-finals last year, including one at the hands of Llandovery, Ebbw were staring down the barrel of another as they trailed the Drovers 21-5 at the break. SENSATIONAL: Ethan Phillips chips over the top on his way to a superb try to put Ebbw Vale into a lead they didn't let slip (Image: Ian WIlliams/Huw Evans Agency) Already up against it, Ebbw also played for half of the first period with 14 men with right wing Ieuan Evans and then back-rower Jack Pope both spending 10 minutes in the sin bin. Llandovery were 14-0 up after 12 minutes with centre Rhodri Jones and skipper Lee Rees scoring and converted by Ioan Hughes. Full-back Jac Davies brilliantly set up Rees' try and then scored one himself before the break as the visitors asserted their dominance. But, in what was the proverbial game of two halves, the second half was all Ebbw. Full-back Morgan Richards and centre Ethan Phillips both scored, adding to left wing Ryan Gardner's first half try, and were converted by Evan Lloyd, who also kicked a penalty, as Ebbw hit the front. Phillips try' was the standout and came from a bit of individual brilliance. He kicked ahead, then got there before two Llandovery players, chipped the ball beyond them and took the ball on the bounce to go over. Replacement hooker Ieuan Morris' try on 73 minutes, again converted by Lloyd, sealed the deal despite a yellow card for Gardner and a late Harri Doel try for Llandovery. DELIGHT: Jason Strange's Ebbw Vale beat Llandovery in a cracker (Image: Ian WIlliams/Huw Evans Agency) 'It was a great day for everyone involved with the club,' said head coach Strange. 'To be 21-5 down at half time, with the circumstances we conceded, three yellow cards and to still beat a very good Llandovery team – we're delighted. 'At half time, we just spoke around all the problems which we conceded tries off were fixable. They were through our own errors, individual errors really, so we just had to go back to defending well and build a bit of pressure through our set piece and field position. 'What was pleasing from our point of view was even when we didn't have momentum, we didn't go away from our plan and we still tried to be disciplined and stick to what's worked for us all season – and it paid off in the end.' This was Ebbw's 13th win from as many home games this season and their third win over Llandovery of the campaign, although the Drovers had won comfortably 39-7 when the sides had last met in the SRC Cup final at Church Bank in March. Having overseen a transformation at Ebbw, both on and off the field, since returning to his hometown club in December 2021, Strange says it will be mission complete if they take the final step and win the Super Rygbi Cymru crown. Under Strange's guidance, Ebbw have gone from strength to strength over the past three seasons; two semi-finals, a first cup final appearance since 1998 in this season's SRC Cup and are now just 80 minutes away from a first title triumph since their Premiership win nine years ago. But standing in their way are Newport who, also celebrating their 150th anniversary season, will bid to mark it by going one better than last season when they suffered Premiership final heartache at Llandovery. They had trailed Cardiff 17-11 at half time yesterday but roared back with three second half tries, including two within the space of three minutes just after the hour mark. It was Newport's second win over their rivals in their own backyard of the season and their third win on the bounce at the Arms Park. First half tries from Ethan Lloyd and Elijah Evans, along with two conversions and a penalty from Lloyd Lucas, gave the hosts a six-point advantage at the break. Wing Iestyn Galton scored for Newport in the first half, with Jac Lloyd sending over two penalties. Flanker Kyle Taylor scored again for Newport five minutes after the re-start, with Lloyd converting, to put Newport in front for the first time. Lucas then kicked Cardiff ahead again briefly but by now it was Newport looking the more likely and pressure on the home defence was rewarded on 62 minutes when prop Tom Devine powered his way over. Lloyd converted. Then two minutes later and after a Cardiff mix up from a line out, Newport stole back possession and, after the ball went through the hands, it was sent out to centre Jon Morris to score and all but secure Newport's spot in the final. Lloyd converted. Cardiff were unable to find an answer in the closing stages and Lloyd sent over another penalty three minutes from time to put the cap on another memorable day in the capital.
South Wales Argus
10-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Cricket-rugby spat over Ebbw Vale's Eugene Cross Park
The Steelmen will play in the final of the inaugural SRC after fighting back to beat the Drovers 29-28. It comes after they were granted use of Eugene Cross Park for the last-four encounter at the expense of Ebbw Vale CC's second XI. One end of the rugby pitch overlaps with the cricket outfield, with a previous fixture clash meaning that the Steelmen had played their quarter-final game late on a Saturday night seven days earlier. With the semi-final being shown live on S4C and kicking off at 12.15pm, a chalkboard was placed outside the pavilion stating: 'Good luck Llandovery from everyone at EV Cricket Club'. The Ebbw PA and tannoy now playing cricketing themed songs; first up 'I don't like cricket' couldn't make this up, trying to remember there's a game at 1215pm with all this going on @evrfc v @llandoveryrfc @SuperRygbiCymru semi final — Ioan Dyer (@Ioan_Dyer) May 10, 2025 'Ebbw Vale Cricket Club wishes to address recent events that transpired regarding the decision made about play on our home ground today,' read a statement. 'Whilst we remain disappointed with the ruling, which has impacted our club and its members, we would like to clarify that the sign placed outside our establishment was done so without our knowledge or consent. 'This sign does not reflect the views or opinions of Ebbw Vale Cricket Club. Upon learning of its presence, we took immediate action to have it removed. 'We appreciate the understanding and support of our community during this time and remain committed to promoting the spirit of cricket and sportsmanship at our club.' The Steelmen will play in the final of SRC either against Cardiff in the capital or Newport at Eugene Cross Park. Thankfully, the match date of Sunday, May 17 will avoid a clash with senior cricket if it's a Gwent derby in Ebbw Vale.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
USAO baseball wins conference tournament to earn automatic bid in NAIA Tournament
The three-seeded Drovers cruised through the conference tournament to earn a spot in the national tournament next week. The University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma's baseball team won the Sooner Athletic Conference title this weekend with a massive 11-1 victory Monday over one-seeded Wayland Baptist to earn the automatic bid into the NAIA tournament. The Drovers had one blemish Sunday against Wayland Baptist with a loss, but bounced back in the championship game with a blowout win. Advertisement Wayland Baptist got on the board first in the first inning, but the Drovers scored four runs in the bottom-half of the first inning to take the lead. The Drovers scored the first run on catcher Gunnar Hansen's RBI single to right field that scored right fielder Ian Ortiz. The inning, though, was highlighted by designated hitter Peyton McDowall's three-run home run to left field. In the second and fourth innings, Ortiz kept the runs coming with a sac-fly and a two-run double. The onslaught didn't end there, with center fielder Nolan Herchock's grand slam in the fifth inning to put the Drovers up 10 runs. The Drovers beat Mid-America Christian on its way to winning a best two-out-of-three series over Wayland Baptist to win the championship. Advertisement Wednesday, the SAC announced conference honors, with the Drovers earning plenty of awards. Pitcher Brian Ereu earned the conference's Pitcher of the Year award while getting First-Team honors as well. Catcher Gunnar Hansen earned All-Conference First-Team honors as well. Gage Ninness, Ian Ortiz, Tyson Neal and Ryan Cullinane all earned second-team conference honors. Peyton McDowall, Hansen, Ortiz and Ninness all earned the conference's Gold Glove award at their respective positions for their defensive work this season. The Drovers will figure out where they will go to play in the opening round of the NAIA tournament during the selection show Wednesday at 4 p.m.
Yahoo
22-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Forget egg prices! There's 1 more grocery staple that sits near record highs at $11.97 per pound
Americans continue to feel the squeeze at grocery stores — and we're not just talking about the price of eggs. The cost of food at home rose 0.5% in January from the previous month and 1.9% since the year before, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This increase is partly attributed to skyrocketing egg prices, but there's another food category that might be giving shoppers sticker shock: beef. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) A near-record number of Americans are grappling with $1,000 car payments and many drivers can't keep up. Here are 3 ways to stay ahead Protect your retirement savings with these 5 essential money moves — most of which you can complete in just minutes Sirloin steak prices averaged $11.97 per pound in January, just shy of November's record high of $12.01 per pound. In addition, ground beef prices averaged $5.55 per pound, again not far from the record high of $5.67 per pound set in September. Overall, the cost of beef and veal has gone up 5.5% since last year. So, what's been driving up prices? If you're wondering why the price of sirloin steak and ground beef is so high, the answer seems to be a shortage of beef cattle inventory. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported in January there were 86.7 million head of cattle and calves on U.S. farms. According to industry news publication Drovers, it's the smallest inventory in nearly 65 years. Low inventory levels have been attributed to drought and high supply prices, leading farmers to trim their herds. Something else to keep an eye on: America also imports cattle from Canada and Mexico. If the Trump administration follows through on threats to levy tariffs on goods from these countries, it could affect prices even further. Read more: Home prices in America could fly through the roof in 2025 — here's the big reason why and how to take full advantage (with as little as $10) If you're having a difficult time keeping up with high grocery prices, it may be time to make some changes to the way you shop for food. Here are three ways to do so. First, when it comes to steak, prices can vary depending on the type of cut you buy. Explore cuts that are outside your favorites. If available, you can also buy meat in bulk and slice your own steaks at home, filling your freezer with future dinner entrees. Similarly, with ground beef, prices can vary based on how lean it is and it can often be purchased in bulk as well. Low-cost grocers can make a big difference when it comes to shopping for food. Stores that keep things simple and don't have on-site deli workers or butchers may not be able to deliver customized orders, but they can also afford to offer lower prices. If you don't have access to a discount grocery store in your area, see if your regular supermarket carries store brands, which often cost less than name brands while still doing the job. Planning out your meals every week can help reduce the amount of unnecessary food you might buy. Doing so in accordance with what's on sale at your local grocery store can also help keep costs down. So, it may pay to flip through those flyers before you go shopping. Jamie Dimon issues a warning about the US stock market — says prices are 'kind of inflated.' Crashproof your portfolio with these 3 rock-solid strategies This self-made $500M real estate mogul reveals his 'essential' US portfolio that he says Amazon 'can't hurt' — here's how everyday investors can copy his secret formula Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
