In a gripping Gwent derby a last minute try from fullback Dylan Edwards ensured Ebbw Vale will host Llandovery in the Super Rygbi Cymru final on Sunday.
In tough conditions, the Steelmen gained revenge for last season’s final loss against the Black and Ambers with an 18-14 win at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium.
Having trailed 7-0 at half-time to a try from Newport second row Josh Skinner and a Jac Lloyd conversion, Ebbw fought back with a try from debutant hooker Corey Lewis and a pair of penalties from fly-half Evan Lloyd to take the lead.
Newport responded well with substitute scrumhalf Lucas Welch capitalising in good work by fellow replacements Harrison James to score, with Lloyd again converting.
However, Gruff Tough’s pinpoint crossfield found his fullback and Edwards just did enough to score.
In a narrow game, Canadian international flanker Sion Parry won player of the match for his work at the breakdown in a key and hotly contested battle.
It was heartbreak for Newport who were looking for an historic treble having already won the cup and took the shield at their last visit to the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium.
For Ebbw, the Steelmen will be looking to go one better than last season and take the title against Llandovery on Sunday 10th of May, kick off 4.45pm.
Ebbw Vale RFC team, CiNER GLASS Community Stadium, KO 4.45pm
Dylan Edwards; Morgan Rees, Ethan Phillips, Dom Franchi (c), Dafydd Thomas; Evan Lloyd, Jon Evans; Luke Garrett, Corey Lewis, Adam Williams, Dylan Bartlett, Curtis Gregory, Ben Main, Sion Parry, Owen Conquer.
Replacements: James Talamai, Adam Court, Morgan Bosanko, Alfred Bateman-Lloyd, Lewis Young, Gruff Tough, Cam Davies, Ryan Gardner.
Newport RFC team
Carwyn Penny; Oli Andrew, Joe Westwood, Harri Ackerman, Fin Baker; Jac Lloyd, Dafydd Buckland; Tom Devine, Henry Palmer, Garin Harris, Josh Skinner, Callum Bradbury, Huntter Ward, Josh Reid, Ben Roach (c).
Replacements: Wade Langley, Tom Workman, Ollie Drake, Cerrig Smith, Kobi Rees, Lucus Welch, Harrison James, Brogan Leary.
