Merthyr’s title hopes rocked and Pinches is shown red

MERTHYR’S title hopes were dented as they suffered a shock defeat by Swansea at St Helen’s.

Swansea stole possession at the kick off, with Tom Sloane charging forward into the 22, but the move broke down and the visitors were able to clear.

Tom Ham made a break over halfway and, although support was initially too slow to arrive, the Whites managed to recycle possession.

Jay Williams then broke through a tackle and raced through the middle, finding James Ratti on his shoulder for a well-taken try.

There was a strong finish to the half for Swansea as a powerful rolling maul by the home pack forced Merthyr offside. Phil Jones kicked to the corner and Jay Williams collected the lineout to send Sloane crashing over for a try.

Disaster struck for Merthyr when Gareth Davies, with his first touch since coming on as a replacement, threw a loose pass that was scooped up by Andrew Claypole, who raced clear to score.

J Rhys Williams took a crash ball and was tackled just short of the line, but Morgan Morris powered over to clinch a bonus point for the Whites.

Though the result was beyond doubt, the visitors refused to give up and Matthew Jarvis scored a consolation try.

However, in an unsavoury ending Arron Pinches saw red for dangerous play, a sour note to finish upon.