Ebbw edge out Pooler in titanic Gwent derby

Pontypool made the short trip to the Ciner Glass Community Stadium (Eugene Cross Park) on Thursday evening to take on traditional Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale in a full-on derby in the Indigo Premiership, attempting to record the season’s double over their opponents having won the home game 25-20 at Pontypool Park in early November, writes Ray Ruddick. Ebbw Vale, who are guaranteed to finish third and a place in the play-offs seemed to edge the possession and territory statistics and out-scored Pooler by two tries to one so deserved their victory. However, Pooler picked up a losing bonus point which will certainly help in their quest to finish in fifth position in the table.

Ebbw Vale kicked off attacking the clubhouse end of the ground on a fine, chilly and breezy evening, in front of the S4C Clic cameras. In the 11^th minute Pontypool were penalised at a collapsed scrum inside their 22 to the right of the posts and full back Evan Lloyd put his side in front with a successful shot at goal (3-0). Four minutes later Pooler committed the same offence near their 10-metre line, 15 metres in on Vale’s left but the attempt at the posts went wide. After 22 minutes the Steelmen were guilty of handling at a ruck on their 10-metre line in midfield so visiting outside half Matthew Jarvis brought the sides level as he slotted his kick through the uprights (3-3). Two minutes later Pooler’s loose head prop Sam Cochrane was replaced by Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths.

On 27 minutes Ebbw were penalised for not releasing at a ruck 35 metres from their line, 15 metres in from Pooler’s left touchline but the shot at goal went narrowly wide. As half time approached, Pooler failed to find touch from a clearance kick from a mark. Ebbw’s outside half Kieran Meek made a great break from near his 10-metre line which put his side on the attack and took play to just outside the visitors’ 22. Two passes later, Wales Under-20 wing Harry Rees-Weldon received the ball and scored a try in the right corner. The difficult conversion attempt failed so the home side went into the break with a lead. Half time score – Ebbw Vale 8 Pontypool 3.

Light rain started to fall and in the seventh minute of the second period Pooler had a lineout throw inside the home 22 and, from off the top ball, Scott Matthews acted as scrum half and he made a powerful run towards the Vale midfield. In a pre-planned move off the training ground, he passed inside to the supporting Morgan Lloyd and the young scrum half scampered over for a try behind the posts. Matthew Jarvis added the extras to put the visitors into the lead (8-10). In the 54^th minute Pontypool were penalised for a high tackle inside their 22 in front of the posts and Evan Lloyd restored the Steelmen’s advantage with a successful shot at goal (11-10). Just before the hour mark Ebbw were caught in possession and were penalised, 30 metres from their line and 15 metres in on Pooler’s right but the attempt at goal went wide.

In the 67^th minute Pontypool were guilty of not releasing at a ruck 30 metres from their line in midfield but the shot at goal was off target. A minute later Marc Thomas replaced Peter Lloyd at tight head for the visitors. With around 10 minutes remaining, Ebbw Vale made a great break through Evan Lloyd, and took play into the Pooler 22. Ebbw recycled the ball and play went blind for centre Ethan Phillips to squeeze over in the corner for a try. The difficult conversion attempt went wide (16-10). In the final few minutes Pontypool made wholesale changes as Matthew Jarvis made way for Harry Jarvis, flanker Mike Herbert and second row Dan Hill were replaced by Adam Stratton and Lewis Johnson respectively, Matthew Flanagan took over from Morgan Lloyd and Jack Gillard replaced Sam Scarfe at hooker. Despite their best efforts, Pooler could not get that winning score so had to settle for the losing bonus point. Sam Scarfe was named by S4C Clic as player of the match – well done Sam.

Ebbw looked a little more threatening in attack than Pooler, and fine margins are huge in a close contest. Pooler’s unforced errors and a lack of discipline ultimately cost them the game but the players gave their all in what was a tough and tight tussle. No fewer than six players who started for Ebbw had worn the red, white and black jersey of Pontypool in the past. Pontypool’s next match and the final home game of the season will be on Wednesday next (24 April) when Merthyr will be the welcome visitors to Pontypool Park, kick-off 7.30pm. Then, for the last game of this first season back in the Premiership, Pontypool will head north to Colwyn Bay and a clash with RGC 1404 at Stadiwm CSM (Eirias Park) on Saturday 27 April, kick-off 2.30pm.

Ebbw Vale: Evan Lloyd, Harry Rees-Weldon, Ethan Phillips, Dom Franchi, Ryan Gardner, Kieran Meek, Jon Evans, Luke Garrett, Rhys Francis (captain), Adam Court, Dylan Bartlett, Curtis Gregory, Cameron Regan, Ben Main and Ryan Jenkins. Replacements: Joe Franchi, Morgan Davies, Owen Hatherill, Ewan McIntyre, Owen Conquer, Rory Harries, Cameron Davies and Morgan Richards.

Pontypool: Matt Bancroft, Mathew Powell, Duan Thomas, Joel Mahoney, Pat Lewis, Matthew Jarvis (replaced by Harry Jarvis), Morgan Lloyd (replaced by Matthew Flanagan), Sam Cochrane (replaced by Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths), Sam Scarfe (replaced by Jack Gillard), Peter Lloyd (replaced by Marc Thomas), Dan Hill (replaced by Lewis Johnson), Ashley Sweet, Mike Herbert (replaced by Adam Stratton), Callum Davies and Scott Matthews (captain).