PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP
Merthyr secure top-eight spot ahead of league split
MERTHYR .................... 42 BARGOED ...................... 3
MERTHYR secured a topeight spot in the Premiership after a hard-fought victory over a Bargoed side that were always in the game for long periods.
After being defeated by RGC 1404 from North Wales on Tuesday 19-24 it was important that Merthyr got back to winning ways.
Full back Matthew Jarvis, who finished the game with 17 points, gave Merthyr the lead after one minute from a penalty in front of the posts. This, however, was soon cancelled out by Bargoed full back Calum Jones who drew the sides level 3-3. Merthyr looked the more dangerous of the sides with both wingmen Kyle Evans and Terri Gee threatening with good early runs. Jarvis extended Merthyr’s lead with his second penalty after Bargoed were guilty of collapsing the scrum. Things got even worse for Bargoed when centre Darren Humphries was yellow carded for an alleged high tackle.
Merthyr began to threaten Bargoed with good drives from Phil Rees, Tom Daley and Ed Siggery and this was soon rewarded when outside half Dean Gunter spotted a gap on the right-hand side were his chip kick was collected by wing man Kyle Evans who raced in for the opening try and give Merthyr a 11-3 lead.
Winger Terri Gee showed his pace has he broke away on the half way line only to be tackled into touch short of the line. Second rows Ben Murphy and captain Craig Locke were winning clean lineout ball for Merthyr which kept the pressure on Bargoed, and just before half time Jarvis slotted over his third penalty to give Merthyr a 14-3 half-time lead.
As the second half started it was Merthyr once again on the attack with outside half Gunter getting his backs into action and this was soon rewarded when Gee collected a pass 30m out and showed his pace to race away for the try, Jarvis converted and Merthyr had extended their lead 21-3.
Bargoed then began to struggle as the Merthyr pack began to take control with a heal against the head and several drives near the Bargoed line. Merthyr looked to have got their third try but the referee adjudged the ball was held up. From the 5m scrum the Merthyr eight drove Bargoed scrum backwards and has it was deliberately collapsed he awarded a penalty try, which Jarvis converted to give Merthyr a 28-3 lead.
Bargoed began to put several phases of play together as they tried to get back into the game, but good home defence kept them out. Merthyr got their fourth bonus-point try when back row man Tom Daley picked up a loose ball in the Bargoed 22 and raced away clear under the posts, Jarvis converted to give Merthyr a 35-3 lead. Merthyr then got their fifth try of the afternoon when once again Gee showed his pace to race away from several Bargoed attackers, to score, Jarvis converted and Merthyr had run out winners 42-3.
Credit to Bargoed although they were in the game for long periods they failed to take their chances. This win secures a top eight finish for Merthyr as the league splits after next Saturday’s away game at league leaders Aberavon. Although this was a fine win for the Ironmen the coaches know there are bigger challenges to come in the second half of the season.
For Merthyr, the front row of Trevett, Dwyer, and Buck worked hard all afternoon. Behind the scrum Gunter controlled the play with clever kicks and wingmen Evans and Gee looked very sharp with ball in hand.
Merthyr travel to the Talbot Ground this Saturday to play league leaders Aberavon, KO 2.30pm.