The Black & Ambers withstood a late charge from the Steelmen which came close to denying the a hat-trick of Gwent derby wins this season. Morris’ side were cruising at 29-10 in the second half with tries from Jon Morris (twice), Cameron Lewis, and Ben Roach.
Evan Lloyd scored a first half try for Ebbw Vale before Joe Thomas scored twice off a driving lineout to set up a grandstand finish. The hosts threw the kitchen sink at Newport’s defence in the final minutes of this game, but couldn’t quite get over the line with the victory ensuring Newport remain at the top of the Indigo Group Welsh Premiership table.
“We’ve got to be pleased picking up five points at Ebbw Vale,” said Morris. “The pitch took its tool if I’m honest and ground us down a little bit. All credit to Ebbw Vale for that last 20-30 minutes they really put us under the pump.
“We know that Ebbw Vale is a tough place to come at the best of times especially with the conditions as they are at the moment. Ebbw Vale played a little narrower with pick and go’s, and we didn’t win the collisions if I’m honest.
“It was hard to get the ball back then. We are just focusing on winning, and if we are picking up bonus points along the way then all the better.”
Today, Merthyr have an opportunity to put pressure on the top of the Premiership, but they face a tricky trip to the Brewery Field to face Bridgend. “We’ve done a lot of work on our pack and set-piece,” said Merthyr head coach Dale McIntosh.
“We have had enough possession and territory to win games this season. To win games you’ve got to put it to bed by doing the small things right and we haven’t quite done that enough this season.
“This is going to be a tough challenge but we are up for it.”
Elsewhere, Swansea go in search of their first win of the season as they travel to west Wales to face Carmarthen Quins. Carmarthen are currently fourth in the Premiership table, and will be firm favourites against Swansea who have struggled badly at times this season.
On Sunday, Llandovery welcome Pontypridd to Church Bank with Euros Evans’ side in desperate need of a victory to keep in touch with the Premiership’s pace setters.
