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Ebbw Vale and Llandovery will face each other this weekend to be crowned Super Rygbi Cymru champions
Ebbw Vale power over to score against Newoprt(Image: Gareth Everett/Huw Evans Agency)
Ebbw Vale and Llandovery will face each other on Sunday as they bid to be crowned the best side in Wales below the professional game.
The semi-professional Super Rygbi Cymru – now in its second year – reaches its conclusion this weekend, with the final taking place at Eugene Cross Park on Sunday, May 10. Last year’s beaten finalists Ebbw Vale will host Llandovery, having edged past reigning champions Newport.
Having finished second at the end of the regular season, Ebbw Vale will now have home advantage over Llandovery, who were fourth, when the two sides battle it out for the SRC Trophy.
Dylan Edwards was the hero for the Steelman, with a last-gasp try sealing an 18-14 win.
The full-back gathered scrum-half Gruff Tough’s cross-field kick to settle a frantic semi-final, with Ebbw Vale overcoming three yellow cards to win.
Canada international Sion Parry, Alfred Bateman-Lloyd and Corey Lewis all spent time on the sidelines – although Lewis did also get over the whitewash for Ebbw’s other score.
Newport also had their issues with discipline, losing Harri Ackerman and try-scorer Josh Skinner to the sin-bin.
The victory ended a run of five consecutive defeats for Ebbw Vale against the Black and Ambers.
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“It was two quality teams and fine margins,” said Ebbw head coach Jason Strange. “I thought it was an excellent game for the league, a real physical game and a close encounter.
“Both teams have put a lot of hard work into this season, we respect them and we’re just fortunate to come out on the right side.”
Influential flanker Parry, who was man of the match, added: “I think it’s where we deserve to be and what we’ve worked hard for all year. We had a bit of a rough patch the past couple of months, but like all good teams do, they’ll come through it.
As for Llandovery, they overcame Cardiff at the Arms Park to set up a repeat of last season’s Super Rygbi Cymru Cup final – which the Drovers won.
Euros Evans’ side overcame the odds to win in the Welsh capital, running out 30-22 victors.
Early tries from Aaron Warren and Kian Abraham got them off to the perfect start, although Cardiff soon hit back through Osian Darwin-Lewis and Ben Grey.
Alun Rees then gave the home side the lead just after half-time.
However, Abraham grabbed his second try before Ioan Hughes knocked over three penalties to seal their place in the final at the expense of table-topping Cardiff.
“They were big favourites with their form going into it and being at home. Being big underdogs is not something we’re used to – but is something we enjoy – and the boys dug in and delivered a real good performance and got a great result,” said Evans.
“It was important we stayed in the game and that was the focus for us really.
“We started well and probably left a few points out there as well early doors and could have been further ahead.
“In fairness to Cardiff they came back – as we knew they would – but we controlled the last 20 minutes really well.
“Our kicking game was good, we competed really hard for the kicks and picked up the scraps. I was delighted with the way we controlled the game.”
“We knew it would be a tough one against Cardiff, but we also thought we could do it as well within the group. We’ve got a very experienced core group who have been with us over the past few years when we’ve had success.
“We pride ourselves on being a group that can raise the bar when it gets to the business end.
“Those are experiences we can call upon. We’re well aware it’s going to be another tough challenge, but we’re delighted to be in another final and we’ll give it another go.”
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