Merthyr bid to end their poor RGC run

A PLACE in the Principality Premiership Grand Final will be at stake this afternoon when Merthyr and RGC 1404 locks horns once again at The Wern in the first play-off semi-final (2.30pm).

The Ironmen won six of their seven games following the postJanuary split to top the Tier One table and secure home advantage, with their only defeat a 25-24 loss to the North Walians at Parc Eirias on February 4.

In fact, National Cup champions RGC have beaten Merthyr on all three occasions the sides have met this season.

They also won 23-19 at the Wern in the first phase over the Christmas period and 24-20 in dramatic last-gasp fashion in their National Cup semi-final at Sardis Road.

Mark Jones’ men secured the fourth play-off spot with a 37-18 defeat of Pontypridd at the same venue in a winner-takes-all clash last weekend.

Merthyr head coach Lee Jarvis is confident his side will be more disciplined this time around.

He said: “We had commanding leads in the two league games, but our discipline let us down – and we certainly felt we had the semifinal won, but a poor decision defensively cost us the game.

“But we’ve prepared well this week and the boys know what’s expected of them; they’re ready for this one.

“If we can get to the final, it’ll be a huge achievement for the club. I’m sure the people of Merthyr will come out and support us – and we need them behind us.”

The winners of today’s match will then sit back and watch with interest as the other two semifinalists Aberavon and Bedwas do battle at the Talbot Athletic Ground tomorrow afternoon with the game being televised live on S4C (3.30pm).

It comes eight days after the sides last met on the same ground when the Wizards ran out comfortable 28-9 winners over the Wass to cement second spot and a home play-off.

Meanwhile, there is also silverware on offer in Premiership Tier Two and this afternoon Newport entertain Llanelli at Rodney Parade with a play-off final place up for grabs (2.30pm).

The winners will then face either Neath or Cross Keys, who meet in the other semi-final at The Gnoll tomorrow (2.30pm).