Ebbw Vale 14 v 7 Whites

14 Nov 2009 - Eugene Cross Park

Swansea succumbed to a disappointing defeat at Eugene Cross Park in blustery conditions. The home side dominated the 2nd half to secure a thoroughly deserved win.

The persistent rain momentarily cleared for the kick off from the home side. Most of the early exchanges were confined to Ebbw's half.

On 8 minutes, Sam Lewis was penalised for a trip and full back Nick Wakley was successful with the resultant 30 metre penalty goal. Mid way through the half Swansea were penalised for pulling players down and Wakley doubled the home team's lead with a penalty from the 22 metre line.

The Swansea forwards were dominant at the scrum and in broken play but had nothing to show for their superiority.

The game came to life in the 37th minute when Nick Wakley made a break from his own half and kicked to the left hand side close to Swansea's 22 metre line. James Dixon kicked back to half way and from the resultant passage of play Swansea number 8 Steffan Jones went over for a try 10 metres in from the left hand corner. Dixon converted to give Swansea a 7-6 lead.

Ricky Williams kicked from inside his 22 to find touch just 5 metres from the Ebbw line. Ebbw won the line out and ran the ball only to be penalised but Dixon's penalty attempt was unsuccessful.

Half time : Ebbw Vale 6 Swansea 7.

The home side showed far more commitment in the 2nd half. On 4 minutes, left wing Ollie Harford picked the ball up from open play on Swansea's 22 metre line and crossed over for a try.

Ebbw extended their lead 5 minutes later when Swansea were penalised for handling the ball on the floor and with the referee further penalising Swansea 10 metres for back chat, Wakley kicked the 27 metre penalty in front of the posts.

On 57 minutes Nicky Jones was penalised for tackling a player without the ball but the 35 metre penalty was missed.

Swansea never really threatened the Ebbw line and with no further scores, the home side gained a vital win to move away from bottom club Pontypool.

Full time : Ebbw Vale 14 Swansea 7.

Swansea team : Ricky Williams, Leigh Bevan, Chris Shelmerdine, Adrian Thomas, Nicky Jones (Rhys Jones 64 minutes), James Dixon, Rhodri Wells.
Roy Jones, Alun Wyn Davies (Andrew Joy 45 minutes), Lee May, Huw Alford, Sam Kiley (c), Luke Jones, Sam Lewis (Marc Popham 72 minutes), Steffan Jones.

Swansea's scorers : Steffan Jones try, James Dixon conversion.