BARGOED 39-20 MERTHYR
Bargoed gained revenge
for their only league loss of the season 25 days earlier by Merthyr as they
added the Worthington Mid District Cup at Sardis Road, Pontypridd, to their
earlier Championship success.
It has been the
best-ever season by both the Bargoed and Merthyr clubs, who had finished first
and third respectively in league play but it was the Blues of Bargoed who were
clear and deserved winners over the Ironmen of Merthyr.
The opening quarter saw
Bargoed lead 14-0 but Merthyr were still in it as the interval was reached with
Merthyr ahead at 20-10. Though Merthyr closed it to seven points, Bargoed then
used their powerful pack and the scrummage in particular to wear their
opponents down as they led 39-13 until the final seconds.
It was goodbye to both
fly halves as the talented Josh Prosser of Bargoed has now signed for Cross
Keys and Josh Flye is leaving Merthyr to play for Swansea. Prosser was luckier
to have a powerful eight and a lively partner in scrum half Craig Morgan in
front of him.
Both clubs are
determined to fight their way upwards in Welsh rugby but on this occasion
Bargoed, even without James Pizey and Lewis Protheroe, were stronger than
Merthyr, who missed skipper Matthew Rees (holiday) and Dean Gunter (cuptied).
No 8 Ross Coombs,
brother of Wales international Andrew, opened the scoring after just five
minutes and Prosser converted before hooker and captain Leigh Meades surged
over from a lineout ploy and again Prosser added the extras.
Merthyr suddenly woke up
and luck was with full back Dan Parry for a kick and chase try that somehow he
did not convert as Prosser struck back with a penalty four minutes later.
Again Merthyr hit back
as wing Aaron Howard nipped in at the corner but again the boot of Prosser
struck a penalty over just before the break.
Though Parry kicked a
good penalty after 45 minutes it was Bargoed’s pack who took over with flanker
Adam Coupe, then a penalty try and finally a second touchdown by Coombs
bringing the five-pointers, plus two conversions by Prosser, to keep the
scoreboard ticking over.
Merthyr had the final
say as they flung the ball around and teenage replacement prop Sam Evans did
well to score with Parry drop-kicking the conversion.
It was a deserved win
for Bargoed and crowned a season they will never forget while young North
Walian referee Owain Griffiths gave another excellent display in allowing the
game to flow.
Once again the
partnership of Worthington and the Mid District committee had joined to help
provide a fitting end to the season.
Scorers.
Bargoed – Tries: R
Coombs 2, L Meades, A Coupe, pen try. Cons: J Prosser 4. Pens: J Prosser 2.
Merthyr – Tries: D
Parry, A Howard, S Evans. Con: D Parry. Pen: D Parry.