Poor discipline costing us ground, admits McIntosh

MERTHYR head coach Dale McIntosh admitted his side’s discipline wasn’t good enough as Newport completed a second-half comeback to mark their first game at Spytty Park with a win.

Merthyr raced into a 13-point firsthalf lead but a resilient Newport dominated the second half to cruise to victory.

McIntosh said: “It’s pretty frustrating. In the second half we just didn’t get going. The biggest issue is our discipline.

“We conceded a few stupid penalties which let Newport back into the game.

“I thought our backline played better, but our second-half performances are killing us.”

Merthyr scored the first points of the game through the boot of former Cardiff fly-half Gareth Thompson.

Newport’s Josh Skinner soon saw yellow, and Merthyr capitalised through hooker Rhys Williams, who crashed over from a driving line-out to score a converted try.

On the stroke of half-time the reliable boot of Thompson extended the visitors’ lead to 13 points.

Newport’s fast start to the second half was rewarded with a penalty try which consequently saw Merthyr’s Jack Perkins sent to the bin.

The game was turned on its head when Dragons prospect Lennon Greggains went over to put Newport in command.

The Black and Ambers’ Will Reed kicked two penalties to put his side 20-13 up.

Merthyr reduced the gap to four thanks to the boot of Thompson. But Oli Andrews scored a late converted try which sealed a comeback win for Newport.

Newport – Tries: Pen try, L Greggains, O Andrews. Cons: W Reed (2). Pens: Reed (2).

Merthyr – Tries: R Williams. Con: G Thompson. Pens: G Thompson (3).