Latest news with #Llandovery
South Wales Argus
17-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Franchi and Roach eye SRC final glory with Ebbw and Newport
Ebbw Vale and Newport battle for the title at Eugene Cross Park tomorrow (kick-off 2.30pm) and it's fair to assume the skippers will have a big say in which Gwent club will be celebrating long into the night. Hooker Franchi has already won the big prize once after being a member of the 2016 Premiership-winning squad and has been a major figure in the Steelmen's successful campaign. The front rower will finish as the league's top try scorer after crossing 20 times in the league (plus five more times in the SRC Cup). The 31-year-old made his first Ebbw outing as an 18-year-old and hit 200 appearances for the club in March. His experience was important when the Steelmen went 21-5 down on the stroke of half-time in their home semi-final against Llandovery. KEEPING COOL: Ebbw's Joe Franchi during the win against Llandovery (Image: Ian WIlliams/Huw Evans Agency) 'We were behind the posts and I said to the boys that we were comfy in phase play,' said Franchi, a key figure along with his twin, centre Dom. 'We weren't concerned because it wasn't like we were leaking badly. We knew that we could stick in there, get our set piece going and cause them problems, which happened.' Ebbw, who ran out 29-28 winners, have built that confidence thanks to a perfect season so far on home soil. That 13-game record helped them to finish second in the league with the prospect of a home final if top seeds Cardiff were beaten by Newport. A few of the Ebbw squad went to the Arms Park to watch and provide updates for their teammates, ultimately delivering the news that they would be playing for the title at Eugene Cross Park. 'The big games come down to small margins,' said Franchi. 'Playing at home can make a massive difference because the one per centers add up. 'We really pushed to finish in the top two from the start of the season and we achieved that, which has earned us this chance. 'The excitement has been building as the week has progressed but we can't afford to play the occasion. 'We want to stick to our regular game plan and keep to the same processes, because that has worked all season with us being unbeaten at home. 'We know that this will be an 80-minute game because Newport are a good side who can play tight, 10-man rugby or spin it wide. I am sure they will have some trick plays and we need to be ready for anything.' One thing is for certain, Roach will be in the thick of it for the Black and Ambers after a second season on the spin as an ever-present. The number eight has played in 25 games – all starts apart from one outing off the bench at Swansea in the SRC Cup – and also featured in friendly fixtures to celebrate the club's 150th anniversary season. The Wales Sevens international is crucial to Newport's adaptability, able to mix it physically but also thrive out wide, and hopes to avoid a repeat of last year's narrow defeat at Llandovery when the last Premiership title was on the line. WINNER: Ben Roach after Newport's semi-final win against Ebbw Vale last season (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency) 'To get to back-to-back finals is quite special but obviously we want to go one step further and win it,' said Roach. 'The experience from big games helps with the pressure but Ebbw Vale also been there with the cup final this season. 'We've prepped well and are on the back of a few good weeks, so we head there with momentum for one last big game. 'This is what you play the game for, you want to be fighting at the top and now we want to get over the line. 'It's the 150th anniversary and it would be nice to top that off with another bit of history by winning the first SRC while we also had the loss of 'BJ' [the legendary 'Mr Newport' Brian Jones], so there is a lot of emotion.' Whichever inspirational captain gets to lift the trophy will deserve the honour.
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.
Wales Online
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Ebbw Vale RFC reach final of Super Rygbi Cymru with stunning comeback
Ebbw Vale RFC reach final of Super Rygbi Cymru with stunning comeback Ebbw Vale were 21-5 down at half-time before a remarkable fightback in the secod period Joe Franchi of Ebbw Vale at the final whistle (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency ) It proved to be lucky 13 for Ebbw Vale as they produced a stunning second half comeback against Llandovery to reach the Super Rygbi Cymru final with a 29-28 win. In what was the proverbial game of two halves at Eugene Cross Park, Llandovery led this semi-final 21-5 at half time thanks to three first half tries, with Ebbw's own indiscipline costing them. But the second half belonged to Ebbw as they overturned that 16-point deficit with three tries of their own after the break to stun the Drovers. It was the Steelmen's 13th victory from as many games on home soil this season and their third win over Llandovery of the campaign, while also avenging their SRC Cup final loss at Church Bank in March. The reward for Jason Strange's men is a clash with the winner of tomorrow's other semi. Ebbw will either head to Cardiff or host Newport next weekend. Meanwhile there won't be another final appearance for last season's Premiership league and cup double winners Llandovery, who had started so well here – racing into a 14-0 lead after 12 minutes. Article continues below Straight on the front foot, they scored the opening try six minutes in; second row Morgan Jones rose to take the lineout, outside half Ioan Hughes played a delightful dink over the top with inside centre Rhodri Jones seized on it to score. Hughes converted. Having made a fast start, the Drovers were over again six minutes later. It was scored by skipper Lee Rees but created by full-back Jac Davies, as he took Adam Warren's pass and jinked through before sending scrum-half Rees over, Hughes again took care of the extras. Already up against it, Ebbw played for half of the first period with 14 men. Right wing Ieuan Evans was sent to the sin-bin for 10 minutes for a deliberate knock on and no sooner had he returned, back-rower Jack Pope was then shown a yellow card for an illegal use of the boot. Despite that and crucially, they still managed to get themselves back into it with a breakaway try on 32 minutes; Evan Lloyd intercepted inside his own half before sending left wing Ryan Gardner in with a perfectly weighted pass – and he found the acceleration to race through to the line. Lloyd pulled a difficult conversion wide of the sticks. But Llandovery pressed home their advantage with try number three right on half time and it came through another bit of individual brilliance from Davies as this time provider turned scorer. Davies collected the ball on halfway and darted through to score with five Llandovery players unable to get near him. Hughes converted. Ebbw, who recovered from 10 points down to win their quarter-final against Carmarthen Quins, would have to do so again – and they came back out full of intent. The hosts piled the pressure on Llandovery early in the second half and, after giving away a succession of penalties and having received a warning from referee Ben Whitehouse, skipper Rees was sent to the sin-bin after 46 minutes. Four minutes later, Ebbw capitalised as their forward pressure finally told with full-back Morgan Richards finishing off after good work from scrum-half Gruff Tough and Lloyd converting. Rees returned but Lloyd kicked Ebbw back to within one score on the hour. Now 21-15 ahead, Hughes then chose not to kick for goal when presented with a penalty and they might have been left to rue that decision as on 68 minutes Ebbw snatched the lead for the first time. It came from a bit of brilliance outside centre Ethan Phillips who kicked ahead, then got there before two Llandovery players, chipped the ball beyond them and took the ball on the bounce to go over. Lloyd's conversion made it 22-21 to complete the turnaround. Llandovery were stunned and the decisive moment came on 73 minutes when Ebbw scored again when replacement hooker Ieuan Morris drove over after a dominant rolling maul. Lloyd's conversion was good. To add to the drama, Ebbw would finish the game with 14 men when Gardner was shown a yellow but the Steelmen, who lost in two semi-finals last season including one at the hands of the Drovers, were in no mood to surrender. Harri Doel scored again for Llandovery with the final play but it was ultimately scant consolation. Article continues below Scorers: Ebbw Vale: Tries: R Gardner, M Richards, E Phillips, I Morris; Cons: E Lloyd (3); Pen: E Lloyd Llandovery: Tries: R Jones, L Rees, J Davies, H Doel; Cons: I Hughes (3), J Maynard
South Wales Argus
09-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Joe Franchi: Ebbw Vale need best game to beat Llandovery
The Steelmen host Premiership champions Llandovery in the semi-finals on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 12.15pm, S4C) with the prize of either facing Cardiff at the Arms Park or hosting Newport a week on Sunday. Ebbw, SRC Challenger Shield holders, crucially earned home advantage for the play-offs by finishing second in the regular season behind the Blue and Blacks. Jason Strange's men were given a tough time by Carmarthen Quins in the quarters last weekend but got the job done 45-35. Courtesy of a draw bracket that strangely puts first against third and second versus fourth, they now face a Drovers side who are hunting a third title on the spin and who beat them 39-7 in March's SRC Cup final. Crucially, this time it's on Ebbw soil and that gives Franchi & Co a real shot avoiding the same fate as last season, when overpowered by Newport at Spytty Park in the last four. THROW: Ebbw Vale captain Joe Franchi at the lineout (Image: NCR Photography) 'We had a good regular season when finishing second and want to go a bit better than last year by getting into the final, and then hopefully get some silverware,' said hooker Franchi, a Premiership title winner with the Steelmen in 2016. 'We have kicked on and are in a better place than last year after some good additions to give us an extra edge. 'We've played Llandovery three times already this season and are 2-1 up but we are under no illusions about what it will take. 'They are probably the best attacking side in the league so we will have to be on our mettle defensively. 'We back ourselves at home and our unbeaten run gives us confidence but I'd say it will take our best performance of the season to get the victory and move on to the final.' It's fair to assume that Franchi will be at the heart of the effort against the Drovers after a remarkable try-scoring season. The hooker has so far chalked up 25 scores – perhaps the 'Catch 'n' Kynes' that helped Ebbw to the title nine years ago will be renamed. ANOTHER: Joe Franchi went over for a hat-trick for Ebbw against Carmarthen Quins (Image: NCR Photography) 'There's only one Ronnie Kynes! I'm driving the bus this year and we work so hard on our maul,' said Franchi. 'It's not just a case of sticking our heads in and seeing what happens, there is a lot in the process and the work has shown with the tries scored by me and Ieuan [Morris, his fellow hooker who is on 10]. 'It's a great weapon and one that we will try to use on Saturday but you can't be one-dimensional at this stage of the season. We have other tricks up our sleeve but always have the lineout drive to go back to.' Franchi's twin Dom returns to the XV at inside centre while full-back Morgan Richards and wing Ieuan Evans also start, with no changes up front. Ebbw Vale: Morgan Richards; Ieuan Evans, Ethan Phillips, Dom Franchi, Ryan Gardner; Evan Lloyd, Gruff Tough; Luke Garrett, Joe Franchi (captain), Adam Williams, Dylan Bartlett, Curtis Gregory, Jack Pope, Sion Parry, Ryan Jenkins. Replacements: Ieuan Morris, Morgan Williams, Adam Court, Cam Regan, Lewis Young, Rory Harries, Cameron Davies, Ewan Bowden. Llandovery: To come
