It wasn’t to be for Ebbw Vale who lost in the final of Super Rygbi Cymru to a superb second half display from Llandovery.
Having lost out in last years’ final to Newport the Steelmen were left disappointed once again as the Drovers took the title with a 27-10 win at the CiNER GLASS Community Stadium.
Despite the result, Ebbw flanker Sion Parry was named player of the match after a brilliant display which included nine turnovers and a try saving tackle.
The latter happened in the early minutes, where the flanker tap tackled opposition fly-half Ioan Hughes into the dead ball area as the Drovers 10 tried to get nearer to the posts.
After that early reprieve, Ebbw responded strongly with an Evan Lloyd penalty, which was initially cancelled out by Hughes from the tee before the Steelmen turned to the forwards dominance which has been a key weapon all season.
The driving maul proved profitable with hooker Corey Lewis scoring his second try in two games.
However, ill-discipline with yellow cards for Curtis Gregory and Jon Evans gave Llandovery an opening to bring the game level at half-time after a smart angle through centre Rhodri Jones.
Hughes kicked the scores level with a conversion to make it 10-all at the break.
After the interval, a quick-fire double from Harry Doel, the first coming from patient build-up before a second a minute later after a brilliant break from fullback Jac Davies changed the game.
With Hughes kicking the second of the two conversions, Ebbw now had to chase the game but were unable to force their way over from close range.
Lee Rees on his final appearance for the Drovers, sealed the win for the visitors, showcasing his soccer skills to go over.
In the end, Ebbw ended the game with 14 men after a late red card to lock Dylan Bartlett for head contact in a clear out and were left disappointed from what has once again been a very promising season.
Ebbw Vale Team Kick Off 16.45pm: Dylan Edwards; Mitch Rankine, Ethan Phillips, Dom Franchi (c), Dafydd Thomas; Evan Lloyd, Jon Evans; Luke Garrett, Corey Lewis, Adam Williams, Dylan Bartlett, Curtis Gregory, Alfred Bateman-Lloyd, Sion Parry, Owen Conquer.
Replacements: James Talamai, Adam Court, Morgan Bosanko, Dylan Burrows, Lewis Young, Gruff Tough, Cam Davies, Ryan Gardner.
