Merthyr set sights on double as they switch focus back to league
PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP WEEKEND PREVIEW
FRESH from their WRU National Cup triumph, double-chasing Merthyr now turn their focus towards retaining the Principality Premiership crown.
The Ironmen are in pole position to do just that and need just 12 points from their remaining four games to bag a second straight title.
Dale McIntosh’s side are a point clear of Carmarthen Quins, but have two games in hand, and have a four-point edge on Pontypridd with a game in hand.
They head north to face RGC 1404 this afternoon with the game, which kicks off at 4pm, being televised live on S4C.
RGC’s own title challenge has faded with narrow defeats at Ebbw Vale and Llandovery in recent weeks, which leaves them six points back having also played a game more.
But, despite the fact the title is almost certainly Merthyr’s to lose, head coach McIntosh is not taking anything for granted.
He said: “Pontypridd have sneaked up there and I think they can maximise 64 points, Carmarthen and RGC 62, so we need to get 12 points out of the next four games, if my maths is correct.
“Yes, it is achievable, but it’s not certified and it’s just about us first and foremost going away to RGC, getting what we can from them and then trying to sew up whatever points are then needed in the next three fixtures.”
Merthyr will, of course, be buoyed by their comprehensive 41-7 win against Newport at the Principality Stadium last Sunday which, along with bagging them a first-ever National Cup, was the biggest margin of victory in the history of the competition.
Following their clash with RGC,
Merthyr then have trips to Ebbw Vale and Bargoed along with a home game against Aberavon still to come.
Meanwhile, there are four other Premiership matches this afternoon, all kicking off at 2.30pm.
Carmarthen Quins head to Church Bank to face Llandovery.
The Quins know a victory will temporarily take them top of the table, although their 24-20 defeat at Pontypridd last weekend all but ended any realistic hopes of wrestling the crown away from Merthyr and theyare now looking to cement second spot.
In-form Pontypridd probably have the best, albeit slim, hope of the three chasing sides and this afternoon they welcome Cardiff to Sardis Road where a victory will make it six on the bounce and keep the pressure on rivals Merthyr should they go down to defeat at RGC.
Cardiff, meanwhile, are looking to bag their first win at the ‘House of Pain’ since December 2009.
Elsewhere, Newport will be looking to take the frustration of their National Cup defeat out on Gwent rivals Cross Keys when they clash at Rodney Parade.
Both were also defeated in midweek, with Newport losing by a point in the last minute at Bedwas, while Keys were beaten at home by Bridgend.
The Ravens are also back in action today as they welcome Bargoed to the Morganstone Brewery Field.
Neath were scheduled to entertain Aberavon at the Gnoll last night, while there is also one game tomorrow at Eugene Cross Park where Ebbw Vale host Bedwas.