Well, here we are, Ebbw Vale versus Newport in the League Play-off Final. The play-off system has received some criticism, but it has certainly brought some excitement to the end of the season. The first semi-final saw The Steelmen struggling in the first half against a rampant Drovers outfit that looked to be coasting to victory, but the second half was different and they just couldn’t be stopped. The second semi-final at Cardiff Arms Park saw the Blue and Blacks take a ten-point lead but the Black and Ambers gradually took control and were worthy winners of a very entertaining game.
Many supporters thought that the final would be played at ‘the regional ground of the highest placed finalist’ which would be, of course, Rodney Parade but this wasn’t to be. After a flurry of emails and phone calls we learned that the game would be at the home of the highest placed team, Ebbw Vale.
These teams have met three times this season, twice at ECP which resulted in wins for the home team, and once at RP which, again, resulted in a win for the home team.
The Newport team and replacements will be selected after tomorrow’s training session
Just one change in the starting fifteen with Dai Richards coming in for the injured Lloyd Lewis.
Newport: Tom Devine, Tyler Olding, Ollie Drake, Josh Skinner, Max Williams, George Young, Kyle Tayler, Ben Roach Captain, Dafydd Buckland, Jac Lloyd, Iestyn Galton, Chay Foster-Smith, Jon Morris, David Richards.
Replacements: Wade Langley, Tom Workman, Garin Harris, Rhys Jenkins, Josh Reid, Luke Crane, Matt O’Brien, Elliot Frewen
Referee: Ben Breakspear
AR1: Adam Jones
AR2: Carwyn Sion
AR3: Neil Perkins
Venue: Ciner Glass Community Stadium, Eugene Cross Park, Ebbw Vale, NP23 5AZ
Kick-off: 2:30 PM, Sunday 18th May 2025
PLEASE NOTE: The Friends of Newport Rugby intend to run a supporters’ coach to the game on Sunday. Leaving The Riverfront Theatre at 1 PM and leaving Ebbw Vale at 5 PM. The cost is just £10 and the team would appreciate your support.
To book your place, contact Steve by email at stattonrfc@live.co.uk