Ironmen up to third after superb win over Llanelli

MERTHYR moved up to third in the Premiership table after a comprehensive 46-22 bonus point victory over Llanelli at the Wern. The club’s supporters were left stunned in midweek when it was announced head coach Dale McIntosh along with his assistants Gavin Dacey, and Robert Sidoli will be leaving Merthyr at the end of the season. But it didn’t stop the players from running riot against Llanelli.

Alex Webber opened the scoring for the hosts as he powered over from short range before Callum Bradbury scored at the far-right hand corner.

Llanelli hit back with a try of their own courtesy of Nathan Hart before Paddy McBride claimed one for Merthyr meaning the hosts led 20-10 at the interval. Merthyr were entirely dominant after the break as their forwards held the upper hand which forced Llanelli into conceding several penalties.

And they hit straight after the break with Aaron pinches hitting a tremendous angle to run in unopposed from 35 metres out.

To their credit Llanelli refused to throw in the towel, and Harrison Button touched down for their third try after a powerful carry. Ashley Norton showed tremendous pace to race clear for another Merthyr try, with Rhys Williams touching down soon after.

Ben Jones then chipped ahead to score Merthyr’s final try At least Llanelli were able to take something out of this game with Amir Jawa Walij crossing for a terrific individual try to secure a bonus point.

Bridgend finally broke their duck in the Indigo Group Premiership as they came racing out the blocks to head into a 15-3 interval lead against RGC, before wrapping up a 20-8 victory.

Frankie Jones picked off an interception try in the seventh minute to set-up an easy march to a victory 23-5 for the Wizards over Carmarthen Quins.

Meanwhile a power-packed display from the Ebbw Vale pack earned their side a 14-5 victory over Swansea that moved them out of the danger zone at the bottom of the Indigo group Premiership table.