SWANSEA 21 – EBBW VALE 17
Swansea recorded a narrow 21-17 come-from-behind victory over Ebbw Vale in the Welsh Premiership, but the victory came at a heavy price.
The All Whites have lost scrum-half Rhodri Jones for up to two months after a brawl during a fiercely contested match.
The Steelmen led 17-5 shortly after halftime before fly-half Gavin Henson rolled up his sleeves and kicked the home side to a hard-fought victory with the wind at their backs in the second half.
The win was aided by a superb individual try to Jones early in the first half, but the younger brother of former British Lions tourist Robert was flattened during the all-in brawl on the stroke of halftime and may miss the rest of the season.
“Rhodri’s had his cheekbone and eye socket broken in three different places,” said Swansea coach John Connolly.
“He had it operated on last night, and he could be out for six to eight weeks – maybe longer.”
But the home fans side were treated to a fine display from young prospect James Bater. Connolly says it’s only a matter of time before he wears the red jersey of Wales, saying the 23-year-old is the “only true No 8” in the country.
Connolly praised Bater as the back row man caused problems for Vale all night.
“James was our best player out there,” the Australian said, despite brilliant fly-half Gavin Henson controlling things in the crucial second half and kicking his side to victory.
“Steve Hansen called James into the national squad last week and it’s only a matter of time before he makes his international debut.
“He’s a true No 8. He’s 107kg and has the potential to get even bigger,” Connolly said.
“James is in the last few months of his dentistry papers so can’t train as often as we’d like, but he’s got a big future.
“After Scott Quinnell’s retirement, I’d say James Bater is the only true No 8 in the country.”
And former Stade Francais coach Connelly was dismissive of the challenge presented by the Steelmen.
“I never thought we’d lose it, even when we were behind. It was a typical mid-season game. Get in, get the points and get out.”
Swansea (5) 21
Tries: R Jones, R Francis Cons: Henson Pens: Henson (3)
Ebbw Vale (12) 17
Tries: K Tuipuloti, R Shorney, S Mitchell Cons: M Meenan
Swansea: Swales, J. Vaughton, Winn, Gibbs, Payne; Henson, R. Jones; Pope Balshen, Dorsey, J. Thomas (capt), Farley, Colclough, Bater, R. Jenkins.
Replacments: Cordingley, A. Thomas, Robinson, C. Wells, Morris, Slade, Francis.
Ebbw Vale: Meenan, Wakeley, Shawley, Matthews; A. Bevan, Mitchell; Shelbourne, Black, Phillips (capt), M. Jones, Billen, Sidoli, Thomas, Tuipulotu, T. Morris.
Replacements: P. Jones, Crawford, Booyse, Gay, Betts, Bingham, L. Roberts.
