Match Report – Bridgend Ravens 17 Ebbw Vale RFC 34

Ebbw win on the road

Ebbw Vale came away from the Dunraven Brewery Field with maximum six points after playing the game in rainy conditions.

The visitors took the lead within the first ten minutes after referee Craig Evans awarded the Steelmen a penalty. Fly half Evan Lloyd successfully kicked the penalty.

Despite the best efforts of both sides, neither side could add to the scoreboard until referee Evans awarded the hosts a penalty. Number ten Fraser Jones brought the scores level.

The first try of the afternoon came just after the half an hour mark. A good break through the home defence by winger Dafydd Thomas saw the winger break the line, round the full back and score a well taken try under the posts. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

Half Time: Bridgend Ravens 3 Ebbw Vale RFC 10

The away sides second try of the afternoon came within fifteen minutes of the interval. From a lineout in the Bridgend twenty-two, the Ebbw forwards set up a driving maul which ended with hooker Ieuan Morris scoring. Lloyd again added the extras.

The home side were reduced to fourteen men on the hour mark when referee Evans sent the Ravens second row James Richards to the sin bin.

The Steelmen immediately gained from the numerical advantage when from the lineout, the visitors forwards again set up a driving maul which finished with replacement hooker Joe Franchi diving over the line. Lloyd successfully kicked the conversion.

Within five minutes, Ebbw scored their bonus point try. Hooker Franchi once again benefited from the driving maul by finishing off the move to score. Lloyd sent the ball through the middle of the sticks.

With just more than ten minutes left, Ebbw Vale were reduced to fourteen men. Second row Dylan Bartlett was sent to spend ten minutes in the sin bin by referee Evans.

The hosts soon scored their first try of the game. Replacement scrum half Harvey Nash scored the try. Fellow replacement Luke Price added the extras.

Bridgend’s second try of the game came with three minutes left through replacement Corey Lewis. Price successfully kicked the conversion to reduce the deficit to fourteen points.

With the game going into the final moments, referee Evans awarded Ebbw Vale a penalty. Replacement Dorian Jones successfully added the three points to extend Ebbw Vale’s lead to seventeen points and claim maximum bonus points.

Full Time: Bridgend Ravens 17 Ebbw Vale RFC 34

Try scorers: Dafydd Thomas (1), Ieuan Morris (1), Joe Franchi (2)

Conversions: Evan Lloyd (4)

Penalties: Evan Lloyd (1), Dorian Jones (1)

Ebbw Vale’s next game is the first of a double header against Cardiff RFC at the Ciner Glass Community Stadium on Saturday 27th September 2025, with kick off at 14:30.

Everyone at the club would like to thank Ewan McIntyre for his efforts and wishes him good luck as he leaves for the RAF. Good luck Ewan, hope to see you soon.

Written by Alex Kinsella-Evans