Athletic 2022-23

Merthyr Athletic 30 v Tonyrefail RFC 12

Still Top of the League!!!

A difficult week for the Backroom Staff this week – several Toys and Teddies have been thrown in the WhatsApp group, but thankfully after much sarcasm and straight talking, the toys have been returned to the pram. There may be some ammunition for the Kangaroo Court during 1 Night in Aber!

After a resounding win over Porth, Merthyr Athletic entered the game full of confidence. It was clear from the start that Tonyrefail would pose a significantly more challenging prospect. The early exchanges saw a stalemate. With some big hits showing the increased physical challenge that lay ahead. Ton had initial dominance in the scrum with new prop Richards coming up against an old stalwart, three scrums in things were settled and Merthyr managed some parity, Nathan Thomas was next in line and once again stood strong. This set the tone for the game. Although Merthyr were living of scrappy scrum ball, the lineout was as previously efficient and effective – the Salmon provided clean and crisp possession thanks to the accuracy from Mullins. Much praise needs to go to the unseen work of Prop Roberts who now fully returned from injury is a key cog in ensuring lineout and scrum ball was provided. The game swayed back and forth but Merthyr were resilient throughout and despite some pressure Ton looked unlikely to score. Defence was marshalled well with Henessey and Jessy (with a Y) forming a new partnership and looking robust at centre. As the half wore on Merthyr enjoyed much time putting pressure on Ton and despite crossing the whitewash on two occasions finished the half only 3-0 up from a penalty by Cai Jones.
Captain Caveman Ferret was stretchered off with a torn hamstring – there were some raised eyebrows and whispering about “how can you pull your hamstring when you don’t move very fast?” Rhys “The Enforcer” Davies took the armband and was overheard speaking his best Rhymney English (Very Posh) to the referee when questioning some dubious breakdown decisions. Josh Jones also left the field after a whack to the neck/head and remained off as a precautionary measure much to his disappointment – on came the Cav!

Half Time talk was much about more of the same in terms of effort and energy with a focus on territory!
From the restart Merthyr box kicked offside was called and Merthyr were caught napping – Ton went over in the corner 3-5 and Game On!
The half-time message of territory was well received and Cai Jones at 10 marshalled the troops well with some excellent kicking, allowing the newly on “Bomb Squad” of Murphy – Meredith and Perks to go to work. They rammed and they banged and they broke the defence down – well supported by Tyler – Davies and Thomas who are forming a well balanced back row. This lead to an eventual breakthrough – Try scored – Cav is on the scoresheet 8-5 and tails were up. Kieron Thomas on the score sheet and things were rolling 13-5, The Salmon is not only a Lineout freak, and surely game set and match at 18-5. Another score gave some breathing space at 25-5 this time Roberts a well-deserved reward for his hard work, Cai converted, despite these scores Ton still looked dangerous. They bounced back with a converted try 25-12. The stuffing was well and truly sucked out of Ton with the last try which involved some lovely elusive and robust running from twinkle toes himself – Rio Davies – Munch he wants the Family top try award! Scrum dominance saw a turnover ball in our own half – Tommo broke – but elected to feed Jones – the punt ahead was chased frantically by Davies who regathered and split through two would be defenders like a knife through butter to go under the posts. Classic.
DOTD was awarded to turnstyle himself Henessey who is now electing to avoid tackling by moving out of the way – something we expect from Alex Jones, but surely not Henessey. As he was working his award will be received next week – any ideas????
MOTM was a difficult choice; as already mentioned Kane Roberts was excellent throughout, The backrow put a great shift in, Mullins provided some great touches on top of his lineout expertise, the Bomb squad smashed it. Jessy (with a Y) was like an exorcist cutting defenders in half and winning turnovers like a flanker. Cai Jones marshalled things well all of the above would have been deserved recipients. Meanwhile Ferret pulled his hamstring!!! MOTM this week – Twinkle Toes was given the award for some excellent elusive running, some great cover defence, counter attacking and to top it off a great try.
Next week we take the short journey down the A470 to Abercynon. With only two or three league games left (defending on Treherbert folding). Merthyr Ath still top the league. Team Ath on a Roll!