Woods hoping Vale will end Merthyr’s winning run

GREG Woods is optimistic about Ebbw Vale’s chances of ending Merthyr’s 16-game winning run this afternoon at Eugene Cross Park.

Merthyr’s last defeat came in mid-September when they lost 42-29 at Pontypridd, but their response since then has been emphatic and they are now looking for their 17th consecutive win.

Woods, who has won three of his four games since taking charge of the Steelmen, acknowledges the challenge his side faces but is confident they can defy the odds.

“That’s a pretty impressive record in any standard of rugby,” said Woods.

“We’ll certainly respect them, but we’ll be going all out for the win.

“They are formidable opponents. It’s a good test for us.

“We had a positive week last week with three wins but we’ve got to go up another level in terms of physicality and intensity to match them.

“But because we’re at home we’re looking forward to it.”

The Steelmen claimed an impressive 19-5 victory over Pontypridd recently and Woods is confident he can take inspiration from that result.

“There’s no pressure on us, I think everybody expects Merthyr to win so we’ve got to go out there and be dominant like we were against Pontypridd at home,” he said.

“It’s about replicating that performance against Pontypridd and making it as difficult as possible for them to play.”