In their last regular game of the 2023/24 season, Cardiff recorded their fourth consecutive bonus point win as they put aside Merthyr 47-24 at the Cardiff Arms Park.
Tries from Morgan Allen, Craig Hudd, Nathan Hudd, Lucas de la Rua, Sean Moore and two from Dewi Cross accompanied by the reliable boot of Arwel Robson saw The Blue and Blacks steam roll through to the playoffs.
After a brilliant break from Luke Pollock, he eventually offloaded to Nathan Hudd who put The Blue and Blacks up to the halfway line. Matty Young was the next to break through Merthyr’s defence and after passing to Craig Hudd who offloaded back inside for Dewi Cross to break the deadlock after four minutes.
Ill discipline cost the visitors, Arwel Robson kicked to the corner, a powerful driving maul followed and skipper Morgan Allen crossed over. That score means he has scored 50 points this season for The Blue and Blacks.
Craig Hudd was next to cross for The Blue and Blacks and this came from brilliant handling skills. On the 15 minute mark, Luke Pollock turned the ball over at the ruck and great handling skills from both Alun Rees and Arron Pinches followed and this allowed Dewi Cross to score his second and also secured the bonus point for The Blue and Blacks.
Morgan Allen was involved in the making of the fifth as he offloaded to Lucas de la Rua who powered over. Later on in the half, Nathan Hudd scored his fourth of the season after a brilliant break from the halfway line.
Just prior to halftime, after it seemingly being one way traffic, replacement Jack Kathrens crossed over in the corner for the visitors first try of the match.
HT: Cardiff 42-7 Merthyr
With the wind behind them, Merthyr’s winger Lloyd Rowlands scored the visitors second of the afternoon.
It didn’t take long for The Blue and Blacks to respond as after putting the ball nicely through the hands Sean Moore crossed the whitewash for his third of season.
Lloyd Rowlands was involved in the build up to the visitors third of the afternoon as after kicking in behind the defence, replacement Ethan Lloyd successfully regathered and crossed over.
Merthyr ended a very much improved second half performance with a late try from Gareth Thompson and in doing so secured the Ironmen a losing bonus point.