Arms Park victory takes champions further clear at top

REIGNING champions Merthyr edged further clear at the top with victory at the Arms Park.

Dale McIntosh’s men began on the front foot and crossed for their first try after four minutes, Craig Locke crashing over and Matthew Jarvis converting.

Cardiff immediately hit back and registered a penalty through James Dixon.

But Merthyr scored their second try just before the 20-minute mark, with hooker Rhys Williams dotting down. Jarvis then extended Merthyr’s advantage with a penalty for 15-3.

Just before half-time, Cardiff centre Jack Phillips saw yellow.

Merthyr kicked to the corner and forced their way over, with Williams again emerging with the ball.

Jarvis converted to make it 22-3at the break.

The first points of the second half went the way of the visitors, with Jarvis slotting his second penalty.

Cardiff were the next to register with centre Adam Jones diving over in the left-hand corner andGareth Thompson adding the extras.

With less than ten minutes left on the clock, Cardiff lost Ben White to the bin.

But it didn’t stop them from recording their second try through Llywarch Ap Myrddin to make the score 25-17.

Thompson converted and then slotted over a penalty to hand the home side a losing bonus-point as Merthyr held on. Star man Rhys Williams – Merthyr