The milestone may come their way in tonight’s home clash with The Wanderers at Eugene Cross Park, a win which would be the 22nd of the campaign for the Steelmen.
Whatever happens tonight, the Championship title looks set to go to Blaenau Gwent, a fully deserved reward for a side who have dominated the division. Jason Strange’s men have lost just once in the league all season, recording 104 points to date. It puts them 19 points clear of Bargoed in second place and poised to seal the title on Tuesday evening.
“To win three consecutive league titles is a magnificent achievement by the players,” said Strange. “This season the style of rugby we have played has been fantastic. It shows how well the boys have performed and they’ve proved they can play at the highest level and can keep on progressing.
“We have scored nearly 1,000 points and even though our results have been great, to score 100 tries just shows the enjoyment the players get from playing for the club. It’s what keeps them here and perhaps stops them moving elsewhere.”
After moving up to the Championship, newly formed for this campaign, the Steelmen have carried on the league success which saw them dominate SWALEC League One East. Not only that, they also reached the semi-finals of this year’s SWALEC Cup, only exiting the competition after a one point defeat to runaway Premiership leaders Pontypridd.
The tie with Pontypridd and a cup win over Cardiff proved how strong a squad Strange has assembled at Eugene Cross Park. They have scored 983 points in the league so far with fly-half Josh Lewis passing 200 for the season. The likes of Charlie Simpson, Wes Cunliffe and Polu Uhi have all benefitted from the Steelmen’s forward dominance, running in try after try.
Last Saturday’s clash with Llanharan saw yet another convincing win with the sort of running rugby the Steelmen have been known for this season. Dan Ajuwa crossed for a hat-trick with Damien Hudd adding a brace in a 66-10 win which sets them up nicely for this evening’s game.
“We have been quite fortunate this season and the bulk of the squad is the same now as it was at the start of the season,” added Strange.
“That’s definitely held us in good stead and been vital in our success. One of the strengths of our squad is our experience, we prepare for every game in the same way and the same will be said for tonight.”
Despite undoubtedly possessing the best side in the division, Strange is refusing to take the title for granted.
“We have had some good battles with the Wanderers in the past and they will come up here with nothing to lose,” he said, looking ahead to tonight’s game.
“The pressure will all be on us and we’ll have to deal with that in front of our home supporters.”
Surely though, it is a matter of when, rather than if, Ebbw Vale become the first side to hold the Championship crown.
