Cardiff claimed the Indigo Premiership title after a great performance against Merthyr. Needing to secure a bonus point win to secure the title the Blue & Blacks scored five tries.
In front of a bumper Arms Park crowd the home side got off to a flying start. Putting pressure on a clearance kick meant Cardiff had field position and once the pick and drive had drawn in the Ironmen’s defence Dan Fish put Cameron Winnett in a gap, the fullback used all his skills to wrong foot the defence and score, Jacob Beetham added the extras.
Merthyr responded quickly and a missed tackle allowed Aaron Pinches to score, but that spurred the home team on. Some superb interplay between backs and forwards almost saw Morgan Allen score. The review saw the referee go back for a penalty that Cardiff opted to scrum. The ball was used down the narrow side and Dan Fish was able to pick his pass and put James Beal over. Cardiff were now well on top and when a penalty was awarded Cardiff went for the corner. The line out, which has been a very impressive weapon recently, was clean and when the backs joined the drive Alun Rees was at the back to score, Beetham converted for a 19-5 half time advantage.
The bonus point try followed shortly after half time. A flowing move saw Cardiff move the ball down the narrow side. With backs and forwards all running at pace the Merthyr defence simply could not cope and when Beetham burst through into the twenty-two he had Beal on the shoulder. The pass was timed beautifully to beat the last man and send the winger over.
Merthyr were creating some chances but Cardiff’s defence – which has been a feature this season – shut them down every time. Even when Merthyr scrum half James broke free and shot towards the Cardiff line the covering by Luke Scully and Ellis Bevan was able to haul him down and allowed Merthyr no advantages.
And when the visitors tried to move it wide it led to Cardiff’s fifth. Mason Grady spotted was was on and nipped between the centres to intercept the ball and power 80 metres under the posts. Beetham converted and the anticipation of the win was spreading through the home crowd, The visitors got a consolation try by Logan McIntosh but when the referee blew for no side the celebrations started both on and off the field.
Morgan Allen – who was named man of the match – stepped up to receive the trophy to the joy of everyone in Blue & Black.