Three games, three wins and maximum points from each, it has been a superb start to the Super Rygbi Cymru season for Ebbw Vale.
A points difference of 76, built on the back of a 60-20 home win against Cardiff highlights their positive beginning.
The good form has been built on an Ebbw staple, forward dominance, as seen by the try scorers thus far, with seven of the Steelers’ 15 tries this term coming through hookers Joe Franchi and Ieuan Morris.
Another who is revelling in the forward power is number eight Owen Conquer, with the Dragons Academy back rower having started each of Ebbw’s three wins to date.
“We’ve got a class bunch of boys in Ebbw,” said Conquer. “With the likes of Jason Strange at the wheel you can't fault it."
]“Every week, the boys give it their all and it's going really well at the moment.
“We’ve always gone back and forth with Cardiff, so the win at home was pretty special, in front of the boys and for the supporters as well, I think that's the main thing.”
Until the postponement of their clash at Cardiff RFC due to storm Amy, the Steelers were flying high, at the top of the league.
Now they are the chasers, trailing league leaders Llandovery by two points, with the sides meeting in Ebbw ‘s Cinner Glass Community Stadium on Thursday night.
“It’ll be an interesting game against Llandovery because they tend to play quite an expansive brand of rugby and our styles do clash a bit,” said Conquer.
“It should be a good game against a quality outfit.
“They have some high-quality players and deserve to be right up there with us so far this season so it’s definitely one that’s worth coming down to watch!”
Conquer is enjoying his opportunity having missed much of last season through injury and illness, while the form of Ryan Jenkins at eight also meant he was forced to watch on from the sidelines.
“Last season I had to show a lot of resilience with injury after injury, I had some health issues as well,” said Conquer.
“I've put that to one side and now and I’m just focussed on this season trying not to look back on it at all.
“I wasn’t available for sections last season and Ryan Jenkins played really well, now I’m just trying to take my chance.
“That’s just rugby, it is a ruthless sport at the end of the day, so, when you get a chance, you’ve got to take it.
“It's been brilliant this pre-season, being in the environment with both Dragons and Ebbw, learning from the boys. Being fit is the main focus for me, just being injury free and going through a full block.”
Conquer had an opportunity to wear the Dragons jersey at Rodney Parade last season in the A game against Scarlets and is excited by the proposition of making his full debut for the club.
However, for the time being he is solely focused on turning last seasons’ final losses into victories and adding to Ebbw’s trophy cabinet.
“I think we've shown that we do deserve those big achievements,” said Conquer.
“It’s all about just staying connected now this season, pushing hard, and if we do that then I genuinely think we'll get there this season.”
“I think we've shown that we do deserve those big achievements. It’s all about just staying connected now this season, pushing hard, and if we do that then I genuinely think we'll get there this season.
