A VALE OF TEARS FOR THE WIZARDS
EBBW Vale turned around a 12-0 deficit early in the second half and held on to record a brilliant 24-17 victory against league leaders Aberavon.
But the game was marred with fighting towards the end of both halves, which ruined a brilliant spectacle of rugby.
But Ebbw Vale’s pack held the upper hand throughout, and Aberavon had no answer to their power.
“The conditions were terrible, so we knew our kicking game had to be spot on,” said Ebbw Vale outside-half Evan Lloyd.
“Having analysed Aberavon’s game, we knew they were quite reluctant to run the ball back, so we knew if we kicked long, we’d be able to retain good field position.
“I felt the boys dug deep in the first-half. We didn’t quite reap the rewards because there were a few knock-ons in the final third.
“It was a really enjoyable game, and the boys were very gutsy. I’ve got to give credit to our pack.
“Our physicality up-front was what won us the game.
“Aberavon are known for their scrummaging but fair play to our forwards they went after them in both the lineouts and the scrum.
“In terms of the work rate and effort we it was spot on from start to finish.
“If you are on the front foot, it gives us an opportunity to play some good rugby behind the scrum.
Aberavon eventually broke the deadlock with a scintillating try from Young scrum half Liam Seaward, who showed great pace to finish his opportunity well.
Against the run of play, the Wizards grabbed the game’s next score. After stealing a lineout, Sam Williams went on a rampaging run and found Seaward, who finished the counterattack off with a wonderful burst of pace.
For all of their endeavour, Ebbw Vale found themselves 12-0 down. But the Steelmen turned the game on its head with two quick tries from Lewis Young and Evan Lloyd, either side of half time.
Aberavon looked at sea, following several injury replacements. And Ebbw Vale capitalised when Gethin Williams found his way over the line, in the corner.
Aberavon pushed for a losing bonus point. But Lloyd added a penalty, edging the visitors two scores ahead.
There were some unsavoury scenes when fighting which broke out towards the final whistle.
Three red cards were produced, before Andrew Waite scored for Aberavon.
But the Steelmen held on for a huge win on the road.