Match Report Ebbw Vale 28 Swansea 0
Ebbw March Back to the Top
The Steelmen kept hold of the SRC Challenger Shield trophy after claiming six points against a much-improved Swansea side, in a game that had sunshine and many heavy rain downpours. The game saw hooker Ieuan Morris and winger Ryan Gardner both make their fiftieth appearances for Ebbw
Within the first ten minutes of the game, the away side were reduced to fourteen men after flanker Callum Bowden was sent to spend ten minutes in the sin bin.
The hosts got immediate reward, when from a lineout the familiar catch and drive saw hooker Ieuan Morris continue his good run of form to score the game’s opening try. Fly half Dorian Jones kicked the conversion.
Ebbw Vale coach Jason Strange was forced into a first half change when prop Adam Court left the field injured to be replaced by Adam Williams.
Despite the best efforts of the All Whites, it was the Steelmen who scored the next points. Once again from a lineout in the visitors twenty-two, the hosts forwards got up a head of steam and Ieuan Morris again profited by crossing the line. Number ten Jones sent the ball through the middle of the posts to put Ebbw fourteen points to the good.
With the hosts forwards not letting up, outside half Jones sent the ball deep into the Swansea twenty-two. From the lineout, hooker Morris scored his third try of the game. Number ten Jones successfully kicked the conversion.
The Steelmen’s fourth and bonus point try came from familiar fashion. Jones kicked a penalty to touch. From the lineout Morris again benefited to score his fourth try of the game. Outside half Jones kept up his 100% record for the game by kicking the conversion.
Half Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 28 Swansea RFC 0
The second half saw both sides try to keep hold of the ball in bad weather conditions. However, despite both teams` best efforts, the slippery ball was knocked on within numerous occasions.
Ebbw coach Strange made various changes. Club captain Joe Franchi and Ryan Jenkins initially replaced hooker Ieuan Morris and number eight Lewis Young. Number eight Jenkins making his first start of the season after injury.
Prop Luke Garrett and flanker Joe Rees-Weldon replaced Morgan Bosanko and Ben Main moments later. Scrum half Gruff Tough left the field for Carter Pritchard and minutes later Dorian Jones and Ryan Garnder were replaced by Dylan Edwards and debutant Harry Dawes.
The home side were awarded three kickable penalties. However, after kicking to touch, the play came to nothing on each occasion.
The Steelmen were to be reduced to fourteen men for ten minutes of the half, when referee Ben Connor judged replacement prop Luke Garrett to have made a no arms tackle.
Despite both teams` best efforts, no further points were added to the scoreboard. The game finished with Ebbw Vale collecting their fifth six points from a game, from their first six games of the season and returning to the top of the league.
Full Time: Ebbw Vale RFC 28 Swansea RFC 0
Tries: Ieuan Morris (4)
Conversions: Dorian Jones (4)
Man of the match: Ieuan Morris
Pictures courtesy of Richard Whitcombe and Graham Davies
The Steelmen’s next game is away to RGC at Eirias Stadium on Saturday 15th November 2025, with kick off at 2:30pm.
Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans
Congratulation to Ieuan Morris and Ryan Gardner for making their 50th appearances for the Steelmen
The Steelmen squad for the match was as follows