Ironmen finally break RGC curse to maintain their title tilt

IT WAS fourth time lucky for Merthyr as they finally beat RGC 1404 to stay on course for back-to-back titles with a big victory to send them into the final.

The Ironmen had come up short in both their previous league meetings against the Gogs and were beaten by them in the last play of the game in the WRU National Cup semifinals.

The home fans must have been worried when visiting skipper Andrew Williams powered over for a try that Jacob Botica converted to give his side a 7-3 lead, but former Wales Under-20 flanker Ed Siggery crossed for a try after 32 minutes that gave Merthyr the advantage and they never looked back.

It greatly helped the home cause that RGC had lock Henri Williams sent to the sin-bin for persistent offending, and while he was away the home side scored a further three tries to lead by 22 points.

No. 8 Phil Rees converted a five-man driving line-out and then full-back Josh Flye put wing Kyle Evans over with some great hands. Matt Jarvis, who kicked 12 points, converted both tries and the Ironmen were 24-7 ahead at the break.

That lead grew before Williams returned as another driving line-out was turned into a try for hooker Rhys Williams. Jarvis couldn’t convert that one, but popped over a penalty for good measure.

Dean Gunter rounded things off with another penalty and RGC’s dreams of a league and cup double were ruined, while Merthyr are on course to add the Premiership title to the Championship crown they won last season. Star man Matt Jarvis - Merthyr