NEWPORT 29 EBBW VALE 31

A mighty roar went up from the ecstatic Ebbw Vale supporters as they watched their side steal victory from under the noses of the Black and Ambers with the last kick of the game in this Gwent derby battle at Rodney Parade.

The Steelmen, able to call upon a stronger bench than Newport, threw everything but the kitchen sink at their opponents in a nail-biting last quarter and their efforts paid off handsomely when referee Mr. Greg Morgan (Mumbles) awarded them a penalty try after the home side had dragged down a rolling maul just a metre or so from their line. Up stepped replacement outside half Ethan Davies to stroke over the simple conversion kick to nudge his side ahead for the first time in the match and the referee blew the final whistle.

Ebbw Vale, with lock Damien Hudd once again showing his leadership qualities, had also been awarded a penalty try just before the interval after Newport committed a series of infringements culminating in collapsing a scrum five. On that occasion, outside half Iain Smerdon stepped up and kicked the conversion to enable his men to cut Newport’s half time lead to 16-7.

Vale’s other points came from dangerous wing Wes Cunliffe and centre Nathan Preece, both converted by Davies, while Smerdon kicked a penalty goal.

Newport’ scorers were wing forward Sam Cross who snapped up a 30th minute try while Elliott Frewen danced his way over for another touchdown five minutes after the restart. Full back Geraint O’Driscoll added the conversions and kicked five penalties for a personal tally of 19 points.

Ebbw Vale head coach Jason Strange was delighted that his side had avenged the 25-22 home defeat they suffered against Newport three weeks earlier. “Our forwards did a great job after we slipped 26-10 behind in the second half and our set pieces were superb once we brought on some fresh legs for the last quarter. It’s great to be at the top of the Principality Premiership league but we still have a lot more work to do.”

Newport head coach Sven Cronk was bitterly disappointed that Newport had allowed the Steelmen back into the match after establishing such a good lead. “We are not getting the rub of the green at present and our injury toll and other calls on players are definitely hitting us”, he said.

Scorers:

Newport:

Tries: S. Cross (30), E. Frewen (45)

Pens: G. O’Driscoll (6, 11, 16, 55,78)

Cons: G. O’Driscoll (2)

Ebbw Vale:

Tries: penalty tries (40+6 and 80+2), W. Cunliffe (68), N. Preece (73)

Pens: I. Smerdon (43)

Cons: I. Smerdon, E. Davies (3)

Newport: G. O’Driscoll; J. Morris, D. Robinson, J. Murphy, E. Frewen; M. O’Brien ( J. Mogg 58), O. Davies (A. Quick 76); L. Jenkins (J. Greenfield 62), D. Rogers, J. Monck, A. Brown, capt. ( D. Partridge 74), A. Frampton, S. Cross (S. Waldron 64), R. Jenkins and S. Feehan.

Ebbw Vale: C. Duncan; W. Cunliffe, T.Hiscock A. Jones 63), N. Preece, O. Williams; I. Smerdon (E. Davies 63), R. Downes; R. Jones, M. Williams (R. Sevenoaks 63), G. Robinson R. Francis 63), D. Hudd, capt., A. Sweet, C. Regan, R. Kynes and H. Keddie (S. Gibson 63).

Referee: Mr. Greg Morgan (Mumbles).

Argus star man: Damien Hudd (Ebbw Vale)