Lewis holds nerve to seal famous victory

By GAVIN HOWELLS

Merthyr …………….24

Ebbw Vale …………26

LEWIS Williams’ last gasp penalty secured a famous away victory for Ebbw Vale over big spending Merthyr.

This was an epic encounter with the lead changing several times, but with the clock in the red up stepped Williams to floor Merthyr. Ebbw Vale held a comfortable 16-3 lead at the interval with Matthew Flanagan scoring a terrific try under the posts.

But whatever Dale McIntosh said to his players at half-time certainly worked as Merthyr mustered a tremendous comeback with Ben Jones slicing through the Ebbw defence for their first try.

Thompson converted and was soon celebrating a try of his own at the end of a brilliant backs move to put the hosts into the lead.

But Ebbw Vale came right back at the Ironmen and were awarded a penalty try after Phil Rees’ deliberate knock-on prevented a probable try being scored. Rees was also sent to the sin bin, but Merthyr fought their way back into the game

And they finally got their reward with Rhys Williams powering his way over from short range. Thompson converted to push Merthyr ahead and make it a one-point game. But there was to be one final twist as Williams stepped up to send Merthyr packing.

Star man

Lewis Williams – Ebbw Vale