Powell power
Prop Gary claims try as Merthyr make last eight of the cup
MERTHYR progressed into the last eight of this season’s WRU Cup after a hard-fought battle against in-form Bedwas at the Bridge Field, Bedwas.
Merthyr took the lead from the kick-off when the forwards stole the ball from Bedwas and the whole pack drove towards the Bedwas line and when the drive was pulled down referee Simon Rees awarded a penalty try, full back Matthew Jarvis converted and Merthyr had taken an 0-7 lead.
Merthyr should have extended the lead further when Jarvis’s penalty kick hit the upright from 30 meters.
As both sides began to settle on a very heavy pitch it was going to be a battle of the forwards with both packs trying to gain the upper hand. Indiscipline from the Merthyr forwards let Bedwas back into the game with home outside half Richard Powell kicking two consecutive penalties to close the gap 6-7. Merthyr were then reduced to 14 men when back row man Osian Davies was yellow carded. From the attacking scum the Bedwas pack drove Merthyr back which saw No 8 Robson Blake pick up and crash over from short range, Powell missed with the kick but Bedwas had taken a 11-7 lead. Back came Merthyr with good carries from captain Locke and No 8 Rees as Merthyr took the game to Bedwas and this was soon rewarded when Jarvis kicked two consecutive penalties to give Merthyr a 11-13 lead.
Just before half-time, after several drives from the Merthyr pack in the Bedwas 22, centre Teri Gee broke several tackles in the Bedwas defence to race over for the try which extended the lead 11-18.
As the second half began in was all-out attack from Bedwas as they tried to get back into the game, with wave after wave of drives in the Merthyr 22, but good defence from Nick White, Osian Davies, Rhys Williams keeping them out. Merthyr were then awarded a penalty after a tip-tackle which took the pressure off Merthyr. Jarvis then had a chance with a 35 metre penalty which just went wide of the posts. Bedwas then hit back with Powell kicking his third penalty to close the gap once again 14-18.
With time running out the next score was vital to either side as they looked to seal the win. Merthyr kicked a penalty deep into touch in the Bedwas 22 and after winning the lineout they drove at the Bedwas line and after several drives prop Garry Powell was driven over the line, Jarvis converted to give Merthyr a 14-25 lead.
Back came Bedwas as they threw everything at Merthyr looking for a score but once again good defence keeping them out and sealing a win for the Ironmen. In heavy conditions credit to both sides but Merthyr held the upper hand in open play with the defence especially in the opening 15 minutes of the second which was outstanding.
For Merthyr captain Craig Locke led by example well supported by Ben Murphy, and the allaction back row of White, Rees and Osian Davies. Behind the scrum, half backs Downes and Davies controlled back play, with Teri Gee looking danger- ous with ball in hand and full back Jarvis safe under the high ball.
Merthyr must do it all again this week as they return to the Bridge Field, Bedwas to play in the top tier of the Premiership with a 12pm kick-off.