Eight-try Ironmen pile on Llanelli misery

A BAD week for the Llanelli players ended in even worse fashion as they conceded eight tries in a home hammering against high-flying Merthyr.

Four days earlier the players had been told the club would not be competing in the Indigo Premiership when it expands to 14 clubs next season, leaving their playing futures in doubt. Rooted to the bottom of the table, this was their 16th defeat in 19 games.

Leading the charge against them was Merthyr centre Josh Lewis, who stamped his class on proceedings with a hat-trick of tries and match tally of 25 points.

The former Dragons player has made a big impact at The Wern this season and is driving them towards the play-offs.

This latest bonus-point win leaves them two points behind champions Cardiff in second and three behind league leaders Llandovery, who have played an extra game.

Lewis scored the opening try after ten minutes and completed his hat-trick eight minutes into the second half as Merthyr’s pack dominance continued.

His first score was an interception, his second came after 40 minutes and he sliced clean through for his third.

Wing Sam Jones, who picked up a loose ball to break clear, and hooker Rhys Williams, from a driving maul, ensured the bonus-point was in the bag by the break.

Dafydd Thomas ran in his two tries in the second half, along with outside half Gareth Thompson, as the home side went down to 13 men with Iwan Shenton and Isaac Young in the sin-bin.

Llanelli replied with a converted try by Wales U20 scrum-half Harri Williams.