Athletic 2022-23. Friendly

With the league program providing regular breaks the Athletic travelled across the valley to play a well established second team in Mountain Ash. Several players were unavailable through work and other commitments but it was pleasing to field a strong team. Some strange excuses were offered and I am sure these may well be questioned in a Kangaroo Court at the end of the season. Several new players entered the fray, Rio Davies at fullback, Ricky Hughes at Inside centre and Chris Hoskins on the Wing. While Chad Neville permitted from Bedlinog at started on the bench.

The game started at a much better standard than previous fixtures. The early exchanges showed the increased quality that was expected. Mount started the better of the two teams and as a result took an early lead. Merthyr defence absorbed the attack and as a result put themselves on the back foot. Some early hits from Cottrill and Caviel tried to halt the momentum and had some impact. As a result territory was more evenly shared although after some nice phases Merthyr were able to have a prolonged period in the Mount half. This resulted in some elusive running from K Thomas at 7, Hughes our new inside centre and Hoskins out wide. With a different approach Burrows at 8 and A Jones at centre offered a more direct route that gained some good yards. A.Jones benefitted from this with his second touchdown of the season to get Merthyr back into the game – Top Try scorer to date.

The set piece was reasonably pleasing with significant changes, Davies at hooker provided some pin point accuracy at line out time and this allowed Merthyr some good possession. The unseen work of Roberts and Type in the set piece ensured Merthyr enjoyed their fair share of possession, while both worked hard round the field which was evident to see.  C Jones and Rees at half back once again offered a variety of kicks that allowed for eventual exploitation of space, with Grant and Hoskins chasing and pressurising with some enthusiasm.

Mount regained their territorial advantage towards the end of the second half – this resulted in their second and third score. Merthyr were in danger of getting blown away. Caviel was having none of this, he gathered the troops – laid down the law and dragged them back into the game. This was a pivotal moment, as a result Merthyr forced themselves back into the game. A driving line out from outside the 22m line resulted in a score for hooker Davies – making him joint top try scorer for the season so far – this was much celebrated by the forwards and was only capable from the hard graft of J Jones, Roberts, and Cottrill up front.

The half-time score was 17-12 and Merthyr were well in the game.Sadly just prior to the half Merthyr lost elusive winger Hoskins to what seemed a nasty strain on the knee. We wish Chris a speedy recovery.

In the second half Mount were able to release several players from their bench that afforded them the better fitness levels on the pitch. Despite this Merthyr held strong and showed glimpses of huge potential. R Davies at fullback looked dangerous every time he had the ball, with the crowd gasps heard across the valley as his footwork evaded would be tacklers with ease. As the game came to a close the battle cries could still be heard from Caviel who ensured the strained spirits of the younger contingent stay in tact. Blandford introduction offered inspiration and energy as he there himself into challenges and contact, despite still carrying an injury he punched through defences and body checked several Mount players who are probably still feeling the pain the morning after.

Man of the Match once again a difficult choice, C Jones at ten is showing a consistent high level of performance and once again dictated and bossed territory well. The debutants showed up well and Neville entering the fray in the second half provided some added vigour to a stretched defence. Evergreen Caviel pipped others to the post with a galvanising and inspirational performance that his old mucker Price will be keen to improve on when back in action next week.

Next week we return to League action with Nelson away. Nelson will offer a tough challenge than previous league fixtures. The team is building nicely and new players are providing some added enthusiasm.