EBBW Vale captain and try machine Ronny Kynes has spoken of his pride at making 200 appearances for the Eugene Cross Park club.

The 32-year-old flanker, who joined the Steelmen from Tredegar eight years ago, will reach the milestone tonight when Ebbw host Gwent rivals Newport (kick-off 7.15pm).

Since arriving in 2010, Kynes has scored a remarkable total of 96 tries in 199 games, a large proportion of which have come from his side’s famous driving lineout.

The play, now known in rugby circles as the ‘Catch ‘n’ Kynes’, has given opposition teams plenty of sleepless nights over the years, and it could well be on show again this evening.

Kynes may be the one to profit from the almost unstoppable set-piece ploy, but for him it’s always a team effort and the work the pack puts in.

And being part of the team that currently sits seventh in the Principality Premiership is what has kept the New Tredegar native gong for all these years.

Speaking about reaching a double century of matches in Ebbw colours, Kynes said: “It’s a great achievement – I’d love to play another 200!

“My first game was against Bargoed in Division One, I’ll never forget it. I came off the bench because I’d picked up a groin strain in pre-season.

“I was on the bench for the first couple of games that season and did wonder if I had made the right move, but then I began starting matches and haven’t missed many since.

“If someone had said to me eight years ago that I would be Ebbw Vale captain and played 200 games then I would have laughed at them.

“I’ve been very lucky with injuries, I’ve probably missed less than 10 games, and, as I said, I would love another 200 but I’m 32 now and age isn’t on my side.

“There was a bit of interest from other clubs a few years ago but I’ve never had any intention of playing for anyone else – I’m Ebbw Vale through and through.”

He added: “I’ve started a family since I’ve been here, and my partner is from Ebbw Vale, so the club has been a massive part of my life.

“My mum and dad watch me wherever I play, they never miss a game, so they’ll be there for the 200th, and there’s a bus coming from New Tredegar.

“Ebbw Vale is a great club and a great environment to be around, and that’s why so many players stay for as long as they do.

“In our changing room there are a number of boys who’ve played 100 or 150 games for the club, and that’s why we’ve done so well.”

Newport head coach Craig Warlow would love to see his men spoil the party tonight, but he recognises the job Kynes has done at Eugene Cross Park.

“He’s like a goal hanger with the tries he scores from the driving lineout,” he joked.

“Obviously he is going to go down in folklore at Ebbw Vale because of what he’s done there.

“You rarely see a player make 200 appearances in their entire career these days, so what he’s achieved is something to be proud of.”

On the game, Warlow added: “I don’t think Ebbw are going to do anything we won’t have planned for, but stopping it is another thing, particularly that driving lineout.

“We’ve got to win the forward battle but we will look to put the ball through the hands as well.”