Ebbw Vale 29 Neath 10

EBBW Vale added to the mounting problems facing champions Neath with a stunning victory at Eugene Cross Park, writes Tony Poole.

Not too many people gave the Steelmen a chance when they failed to make maximum use of a strong wind, and only led 6-3 at the break.

But Vale went on to prove that they are made of sterner stuff, and went on to record a first home win over the Blacks since the 37-30 success of October 8, 1999.

Two tries from wing Andrew Wagstaffe, together with touchdowns from Jonathan Hawker and Jonathan Williams set up victory nine years ago – allied to 17 points from the boot of Jason Strange.

Victory for the class of 2008 was all the more pleasing for former Neath men Matthew McCarthy and Lyn Jones, who are now part of the coaching team at Eugene Cross Park.

“It was pleasing to see a side packed with talented young players like Jonathan Griffiths, Rhys Jenkins and Andrew Williams perform so well,” said McCarthy.

“In the end we based victory around a watertight defence while it was also a case of us playing better into the wind.

“But we went on to dominate the second half, with Kristian Owen’s first try proving the turning-point.’’ However, McCarthy went on to explain that a long-term strategy is high on the agenda at Eugene Cross Park: “There is still a lot of hard work to be done at Ebbw Vale in order to build something special for the future.

“We have to make the most of Lyn Jones’ services, as sooner rather than later someone will surely come in for him.

“Victory over Neath was something special for us, and it has already got the club buzzing.’’ Long before the end the chant from the Eugene Cross Park tanner bank was “What a waste of money!”

Home fans were referring to the amount of cash that Neath chairman Geraint Hawkes has spent on a team that against Vale lacked hunger.

Neath started off promisingly enough but in the end they failed to match a cock-a-hoop Vale side who displayed plenty of second-half pride.

Three ex-Neath players – flanker Simon Pengelly, scrum-half Rob Lewis and centre Aaron Bramwell – had points to prove, and did so much to the embarrassment of the champions.

Bramwell slotted over two first-half penalties compared to one from Neath’s latest New Zealand recruit – Manawatu Turbos fly-half Matty James.

But instead of using the wind to carry them to victory, Neath felt the wind alone would do the business.

It was a fatal trap to fall into and after a 10-minute spell of domination failed to produce a score, the Steelmen pounced.

They secured turnover ball from a 50th-minute lineout inside the Neath 22, and space was created for captain and centre Kristian Owen to score the all-embracing try.

Centre Bramwell converted and added a 58th-minute penalty – and at 16-3, the champions were already vulnerable.

Two speculative passes then dished up interception tries for wing James Lewis – his third in successive games against Neath in the colours of Bedwas and Vale – and a second for on-fire captain Owen.

That moved the ex-Merthyr, Pontypridd and Aberavon player onto 66 league tries, 36 coming in the Welsh Premiership.

Going into time added on, Vale led 26-3 only for Neath to be awarded a generous penalty try for scrum offences.

Replacement fly-half Matthew Jarvis converted, but there was still time for the Steelmen to have the final word via a penalty from ex-Dunvant fly-half Andrew Williams.

A five-star pack display helped Vale build on away victories over both Cardiff and Llandovery.

However, lock Gavin Lucas along with the back-row trio of Jonathan Griffiths, Simon Pengelly and No 8 Richard Jenkins all rose above the cause of duty.

Ebbw Vale: A McLaughlan; A Bevan (I Coombs 84 mins), K Owen (capt), A Bramwell (S Powell 78), J Lewis; A Williams, R Lewis (I Evans 78); A Coundley (A Lott 83), R Wilkes (M Williams 40), A Lott (M. Jones 63), N Eaves, G Lucas (C Jones 9-18), J Griffiths (C Jones 60-68), R Jenkins, S Pengelly (D. Newell 78).

Scorers: Tries – K Owen (2), J Lewis; Con: A Bramwell; Pens: A Bramwell (3), A Williams.

Neath: G King; D Evans, W Mitchell (M Nuthall 67), D Lockyer, G James; M James (M Jarvis 74), K Farrell (T Knoyle 74); M Jones (N Downs 58), A Littlehales (J Richards 78), C Mitchell, E Evans, H Pugh (N Edwards 59), G Gravell (L Evans 74), L Beach (capt), J Merriman.

Scorers: Try – pen try; con: M Jarvis; pen: M James.

Referee: Neil Ballard (Cardiff).

Man of the match: Simon Pengelly (Ebbw Vale).