Another stroll for magnificent Merthyr in six-try victory

MERTHYR gave Bargoed six of the best as they picked up another fullhouse of points to end the year as top dogs once again in the Principality Premiership.

The champions, hot on the heels of a hat-trick of titles, flexed their muscles from the start and powered over for two close range tries from prop Louis Jones and wing Josh Martin within the first 12 minutes.

Josh Prosser opened the home side’s account with a penalty midway through the half, before lock Paddy McBride crashed over for the Ironmen’s third try soon after. Matt Jarvis added the extras and Merthyr looked in firm control.

But Bargoed hit back just before the break with a try from wing Ashley Norton and Prosser’s conversion cut the gap to seven points at the break.

Scrum-half Justin James and flanker Jack Perkins converted two driving line-outs into further tries for Merthyr at the start of the second half as the lead grew to 21 points.

Bargoed beefed up their pack off the bench by introducing Grant Rogers, Rhys Morgan and Geraint Edmunds and No.8 Adam Powell picked up a pushover try.

Prosser added the extras, but there was still one more try to come from the champions as they worked replacement wing Adam Hoskins over in the right corner four minutes from time to wrap up a dominant afternoon and maintain their league lead.