Woods can’t wait to see Ebbw in action after delay

NEW Ebbw Vale head coach Greg Woods takes charge of the Steelmen for the first time this afternoon against Newport at Rodney Parade.

Woods, who moved across after 15 years at Gwent neighbours Cross Keys, was due to take his Ebbw side to Bridgend in the WRU National Cup last week, but a waterlogged pitch meant he had to wait another week for his first match.

Ebbw have won their last three in league and cup since the departure of former coach Lee Davies in early December, with Wales U20 coach Jason Strange returning temporarily to hold the fort.

Newport, meanwhile, go into the game on the back of their victory over Aberavon in the cup last Sunday. Both sides began the combined Premiership with victories over Cardiff and Llanelli respectively on December 30.

Woods said: “I’ve been impressed with the boys’ attitude in training and we’ve had some good sessions, but I’m looking forward to getting going and seeing their level of performance in match situations.

“We’ve a lot of games coming thick and fast, so I’m going to get a good sense of where the guys are at. I’m expecting a huge effort off the lads and whatever the result I’ll have a better picture.”

Newport won both East Conference matches between the sides in the first phase. They edged the clash at Ebbw 27-25 before cruising to a 42-12 at Rodney Parade.