RELIEF FOR CHIEF AT MERTHYR WIN
MERTHYR ........................... 31 CARDIFF ............................. 26
MERTHYR upset the form book with a noteworthy victory over Cardiff in an entertaining clash at the
Wern.
This was only Merthyr’s second win of the season, and they were full value for the victory with their forwards setting the platform.
Despite the strength of Cardiff ’s squad, Merthyr were superior in all aspects of play, and their attacking game was significantly better than it has been in previous weeks.
The Ironmen made a tremendous start when Harley Thompson powered over from close range, with Gareth Thompson converting.
But the Blue and Blacks hit back immediately with former England Under-20s No. 8 Sam Moore bursting through two tackles to score.
Thompson then intercepted a loose pass to push Merthyr further ahead.
Cardiff’s Ioan Evans scored next as he found himself on the end of a fine backs move. Callum Bradbury and Sam Jones scored further tries for Merthyr to give them a 28-14 lead at the interval.
Merthyr were the better side but couldn’t shake Cardiff off their coattails, with Evans taking a high ball to score his second try. Jacob Beetham then showed tremendous pace to touch down in the corner as Cardiff closed the gap to a mere two points.
But Merthyr were not prepared to throw away their lead and two late penalties from Thompson was enough to secure a significant win.
“We’ve been getting better every week and our discipline is improving,” said Merthyr head coach Dale McIntosh. “Over the last few games, I didn’t feel as if we’d been playing for the jersey, but this was the level of performance I’ve been after.”
MERTHYR – Tries: H Thompson, G Thompson, C Bradbury, S Jones; Cons: G Thompson (4); Pen: G Thompson.
CARDIFF – Tries – I Evans (2), S James, S Moore, J Beetham; Cons: J Maynard (3).