JASON Strange believes Ebbw Vale are reaping the rewards of a total rebuild as the Steelmen attempt to earn a first Principality Stadium final.

Only one team will be left chasing a league and cup double after the meeting between Ebbw and Llandovery at Aberavon’s Talbot Athletic Ground on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).

The Drovers are leading the league as they defend their title but Ebbw are third and looking good to make the play-offs.

The Steelmen have made huge strides since Strange, who laid the foundations for the 2016 Premiership triumph, returned in December 2021.

They narrowly missed out on the play-offs last season but are now hunting silverware on two fronts.

“I’ve been really pleased to get to here from where we started from 18 months ago, it was a complete rebuild and one of our goals was to not just rebuild the team but the club,” said Strange.

“We’re starting to get to the stage where we are getting good support again and the senior team is going well while the minis and juniors are thriving, so we are definitely getting there.

“It has been a real collective effort from coaches, players, volunteers. We had a clear goal and everyone has pulled in the same direction, which isn’t always the case.

“We’ve always put being sustainable as a business first, the way to do that is by not spending above your means.

“Our model is based on developing players from within our local area, it always has been. That’s when we have been successful.

“It saves money but also builds an identity with local players and we are now at the stage where we have a nice balance of senior leaders and young players.”

South Wales Argus: BOSS: Ebbw Vale head coach Jason Strange (Picture: NCR Photography)BOSS: Ebbw Vale head coach Jason Strange (Picture: NCR Photography) (Image: NCR Photography)

Former fly-half Strange came off the bench when the Steelmen last reached a cup final – the 1998 defeat to Llanelli at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate while Principality Stadium was being built – and was a coach when beaten by Cross Keys on try count in the 2012 semis.

They will be underdogs in Port Talbot but are the only side to have beaten Llandovery this season courtesy of October’s 25-17 triumph at Eugene Cross Park.

“It’s a game between two good teams and in some ways it’s unfortunate that we drew each other for the semi-final,” said Strange, whose side were edged out 17-15 at Church Bank in January.

“This is a fantastic opportunity, not just for the club but the area. We will take a lot of support down there and the excitement is building.”

Ebbw, who beat Neath and Cardiff to reach the last four, haven’t played since winning 36-13 at Bridgend on February 17 but won’t use rustiness as an excuse.

“Managing those periods is key and we almost had a mini pre-season with fitness testing and conditioning to try and freshen things up before the final phase of the season,” said Strange.

The Steelmen will hope that on Saturday evening they aren’t left to concentrate on a tilt at the title.

- The other semi-final pits Merthyr against Swansea at the Brewery Field in Bridgend.