Athletic 2022-23

Abercynon Away – Abercynon 5 Merthyr Ath 24

Team Ath visited Abercynon with only one thing on their minds – A Win! Prior to the game there was some disruption with player availability – some late changes gave the coaches headaches in particular backs guru Rob Hadley. We wish Hellards’ Dad a speedy recovery, we know Daf was devastated not to be part of the game but understand as always Family comes first. Despite some last-minute changes Merthyr were still able to field a strong side who was more than capable of winning. Evergreen Jason ‘Viking’ Price started his first game in a while after some niggling injuries and Jack Wills was available and slotted into the ten shirt.
The warmup was relaxed and focused, some felt to relaxed. The start of the game was perfect – Merthyr got their hands on the ball early and implemented their planned 9 man pick and drive game. This led to an early try for the viking and a great start Rio-Jay slotted the conversion from out wide 0-7 Abercynon looked shell shocked. As the half went on Merthyr eased their grip on the game and allowed Cynon to play themselves into contention, however some good defence by a new back three of Rhys W, Alex J and Rio ensured they were kept out. Merthyr did well to stick to the plan of Territory Territory Territory! Some excellent kicking form Wills and Hughes ensured this and dictated where the game was played. Once in the right areas Merthyr turned the screw. A second try scored wide out took us to 12-0 with 30minutes gone Cav the beneficiary after a driving lineout. Abercynon looked dangerous and threatened to break on several occasions. Great cover defence from Thomas (7) prevented this as he showed his true calibre as a loose forward. Evans (13) was as impressive with numerous bone crunching tackles, his trademark hit. Merthyr held on till the half 0-12 – in the driving seat. The second half saw one change with Roberts (1) being replaced by Murphy. Great shift from Kane once again, offering great energy and physicality outside of his mundane role of scrum and lineout. The early exchanges were tight with both teams trying to impress their elected game plan – Merthyr wanted to keep it tight, Cynon wanted to spread it wide. Merthyr held the trump card in experience with Caviel, Price and Davies marshalling the Merthyr pack into strong positions and not letting go. Captain Rees had one of his busier and more effective games and this showed as the pack slowly gathered momentum. The beneficiary on this occasion was flanker Thomas whose pick and drive through the middle dissected the defence and he stomped over for a well-deserved try. 19-0 with 30minutes left – Surely a Win! Price left the field after a long 30minute shift – on came the bull – Rhys Tyler made his presence felt straight away – gathering the kick-off and making a charging run. Cynon to their credit fought back once again and asked challenging questions of the Merthyr defence. Although Merthyr scrambled and battled well there was a breakthrough after several wide phases caught Merthyr short. 5-19. With still over twenty minutes on the clock a heated exchange broke out with both teams fully involved, luckily emotions eased, and the game was allowed to continue. Sadly just prior to this Cottrill, who was having an impressive game took a knock to the ankle and had to be helped off – we await the outcome of a long A@E visit – Fingers Crossed. The prospect of an abandoned game refocused the Merthyr side and provided extra energy, despite some cheap shots they were on point. Several bosh bash phases later Perks the Ram bashed over for a well-deserved try – 5-24.
As the later stages approached the bench was emptied, most notable replacement was young Alex Mason who made his second team debut replacing fast daps at fullback.

MOTM was a difficult one to select once again, The Viking, Cav and Choppers all proving their worth up front once again. Energy from the youngsters was present with too many to mention. Most impressive on the night was Jack Wills at 10 – playing out of position and having travelled home to play produced a fine tactical performance – Well Done Jack (Nice Clothing Range as well!)
DOTD was a little bit more difficult to choose as focus was on point, Alex Jones played out of position and did very well. It’s a tight call between “The Salmon” who must have got caught in the current of the River Taff on route to the game (If seen please return West to John) or Mr Hellard who managed to crack is head open and starve us of Tenacious Terrior Daf in this potential ferocious encounter. The Winner…….. Mr Hellard – speedy recovery. You can nominate someone to do a pint on the head in your absence.

Merthyr now have two big fixtures remaining. Rhydyfelin in the top of the league – yet to be confirmed. Tonyrefail in quarter-final of the cup. The winner of which will be welcomed to the Klondyke.