BLUE & BLACKS SHOW METTLE TO BEAT CHAMPS
SECOND half tries by No.8 Luke Crocker and wing Pat Lewis paved the way for Cardiff to record an exciting victory over reigning champions Merthyr in a tense but mistake-ridden match.
Crocker barged over for an unconverted corner touchdown 14 minutes after the restart while clever centre William Rees-Hole picked up a loose ball to burst down the touchline before giving a try scoring pass to wing Pat Lewis.
Cardiff’s other points came from two penalties by outside half Gareth Thompson while his replacement Ben Thomas also kicked two penalties and a conversion.
Merthyr, who will be thoroughly disappointed by their below-par performance, picked up tries from inside half Justin James and lock Ben Murphy either side of the interval and a late penalty try.
Cardiff were hoping to build upon their impressive 31-19 win over Newport at Rodney Parade in the Principality Premiership East season’s opener but they were expecting a tough test against reigning champions Merthyr at the Arms Park.
The Ironmen, on the other hand, just managed to sneak a last-gasp 31-29 victory at home to Cross Keys and they had been concentrating on improving their handling skills and defensive work in mid-week training.
Merthyr chalked up their first victory in 14 matches against Cardiff when they ran off 24-18 winners at The Wern a year ago.
There was also a lot of interest in the man in the middle because upand-coming South African referee Mr Cwengile Jadezweni – known as “JD” – was making a guest appearance.
Merthyr showed their power at the scrum in the fourth minute driving the home pack back several metres before being awarded a penalty.
Outside half Powell elected to kick for touch rather than goal, pushing play to the home 22 metres line, but Cardiff inside half Lewis Jones relieved the pressure with a smart 35 metres sprint up the left flank.
Home lock James Down was ruled offside 20 metres from his line but Powell again chose to kick for position only to see the Arms Park men clear the danger.
A Merthyr try looked on in the 11 minute following a sharp midfield burst by inside half Justin James but left wing Steffan Andrews could not hold the pass with the posts looming.
Cardiff were rewarded for an intense period of pressure in the 31st minute when outside half Gareth Thompson kicked a 22 metres angle penalty goal.
Six minutes later they suffered a big setback when centre William Rees-Hole was sent to the sin bin for what was adjudged to be a tip tackle.
Merthyr took advantage three minutes later when lively James crashed over for an unconverted corner try to edge his side 5-3 ahead at the interval.