Steelmen take big step to final

Super Rygbi Cymru Cup

- CARL FIELD

EBBW Vale put one foot firmly in the final after beating Gwent rivals Newport 44-21 to move into pole position in Pool B.

The result means that victory at Swansea on March 15 will be enough to cement top spot for the Steelmen and see them through to their first cup final since 1998.

Prop Adam Court, wing Ryan Gardner and skipper Joe Franchi all scored in the first half for Ebbw, with a penalty try helping them open up a commanding lead. Flanker Sion Parry and replacement back rower Lewis Young added further Ebbw tries in the second half. Evan Lloyd kicked 12 points.

Centre David Richards and scrum-half Dafydd Buckland scored for Newport. Jac Lloyd converted the latter and also kicked three penalties.

This maximum six-point triumph takes Ebbw four points clear of Newport in the pool ahead of their trip to St Helen’s in a fortnight. Newport must now beat Pontypool in their final pool match and will then also need a huge favour from Swansea in order to keep their hopes alive.

Swansea will though go into that clash with Ebbw with a spring in their step after turning in an impressive second half display to win 39-17 at Carmarthen Quins.