EBBW VALE ....................... 16 MERTHYR .......................... 20

MERTHYR were 20-16 winners away at Ebbw Vale, but a fourth straight defeat hasn’t stopped the Steelmen’s head coach Greg Woods from smiling.

He believes the young Ebbw players he is giving a chance in the Premiership Cup will go on to big things and are learning the hard way right now.

“It was disappointing to come away with only a bonus point,” he said after the loss to the Ironmen. “Although we struggled at the set-piece against a very good and heavy Merthyr pack, we showed real intent in attack and I was pleased with an improved performance from last week in terms of intensity and defence.

“To have seven players under 20 in the match-day squad and for them to shine and play really well was pleasing.

“Special mentions for Joe Westwood, Joe Peard and Ben Moa, who played well and are taking to senior rugby superbly. I’ve never been so excited – it’s one hell of a group.

“Considering they have only played a handful of adult rugby games they will be a special group if they keep progressing and performing.”

Merthyr got off to the ideal start. Dan Wall’s try, which was converted by Gareth Thompson, gave the Ironmen an early lead.

Shortly after, though, fly-half Thompson was yellow-carded and the resulting penalty was kicked by Ebbw Vale’s Ryan Evans.

Merthyr hit back with a penalty of their own in the 20th minute which was kicked by Rhys Davies. Sam

Jones’ try in the 28th minute extended Merthyr’s lead, but an Ebbw penalty, this time from Joe Westwood just before the break, meant the score was 15-6 at half-time.

Ebbw reduced the deficit with Westwood’s second penalty of the game. However, with a Merthyr try from Davies in the 60th minute the writing was on the wall for Ebbw.

Closing an 11-point gap with just 20 minutes to play was always going to be a big ask.

A consolation converted try in the 78th minute from former Wales and Dragons wing Dafydd Howells ultimately proved too little too late.

EBBW VALE: Try: Dafydd Howells. Con: Joe Westwood. Pens: Ryan Evans, Joe Westwood (2).

MERTHYR: Tries: Dan Wall, Sam Jones, Rhys Davies. Con: Gareth Thompson. Pen: Rhys Davies.