Codling hopes to go out on a high

10:57am Friday 27th April 2007

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THE curtain comes down on both Ebbw Vale's fantastic season and Alex Codling's reign at Eugene Cross Park when the Steelmen tackle Llanelli tomorrow afternoon (kick-off 2.30pm).

Vale go into the clash with second place still within their reach, something that few if any would have predicted back in September.

And it could have been even better - they were still in with a shout for the title last weekend only for Arwel Thomas' late drop goal for Neath to finally end their hopes.

It would be easy to look back with regret at a miserable March in which they lost to Pontypridd and Cardiff, both inspired by Blues players, drew with Glamorgan Wanderers and slipped to defeat against Newport.

But that would be churlish given the Herculean effort put in by Codling's small squad this season, and the head coach certainly wouldn't do things differently given the chance.

"It will be an emotional day but hopefully we can finish the season with a bang," he said. "We have had a fantastic campaign and have achieved a great deal, so we want to finish as high up the table as we can to reflect that.

"And we want to finish with a win to thank the supporters for the immense backing they have given us home and away this season.

"There are no regrets on my part, I always look forward and never back. Some people may look at the league situation and feel we should have won it but I don't take that approach and I know that the club will go from strength to strength."

Vale have been the success story of the 2006-7 season and it is hard to think of a player in the Premiership who has made as big an impact or had as great an influence as lock Neil Edwards.

The 34-year-old has started all of the Steelmen's games and, as a former second row himself, Codling is full of admiration but insists he is just one of a number of stand out Vale players.

He said: "The players' efforts have been fantastic from day one in pre-season and in training in Cwmbran. They are a great bunch of lads to work with and they have got their rewards this season.

"Neil has been outstanding and has led from the front but he is just one of many. Craig Cleaver has been superb as captain and Kristian Gay has been tremendous - there are so many who have delivered and it has been a real team effort."

Llanelli will be a tough test for Vale, who have been out of action since beating Llandovery three weeks ago.

Codling said: "It has been difficult being out of action for so long but that is the challenge we have and I have almost treated it as a mini pre-season.

"Llanelli will come here with an expansive game and will play with a lot of pace and width. But we are determined to finish our season strongly."

Lock Craig Blunsdon will be joining Alex Codling in saying his farewells. The keen fisherman is retiring after the game and will be keen to make an impact off the bench.

Tighthead Kristian Gay is injured so Lyn Williams slots in from the bench, with Bedwas' Mathew Petit covering on permit.

Ebbw Vale: A McLaughlan, S Hunt, G Miles, K Owen, A Bevan, S Mills, B Shelbourne, I George, M Williams, L Williams, W Jones, N Edwards, J Bowd, N Aiono, C Cleaver (captain). Replacements: R Williams, M Petit, C Blunsdon, H Jenkins, J Lydiate, T Edwards, D Phillips.