EBBW Vale crashed out of the WRU National Cup after losing a dour quarter-final against a powerful Merthyr side at Eugene Cross Park.

The Ironmen took a firm grip early on in the mud and rain, deservedly going in front through a try by lock Lou Reed in the 38th minute.

Full-back Matthew Jarvis converted and kicked two second-half penalties as conditions continued to deteriorate.

Vale rallied in the last quarter but had to be satisfied with a late first-half penalty from hard-working outside-half Josh Lewis.

Unfortunately, the match will also be remembered for an unsavoury punch-up in the eighth minute which saw Ebbw number-eight Jonathan Davies and Merthyr flanker Osian Davies sent off.

Despite being dismissed, the two players continued their feud on the sidelines and were ordered to the changing rooms as matters threatened to get out of hand.

This intriguing clash was understandably billed as the Steelmen against the Ironmen, with the visitors seeking their fourth win over Ebbw this term.

As well as a win in the league, Merthyr also chalked up convincing home and away victories over the Steelmen in the Foster’s Challenge Cup.

Ebbw had clinched their place in the last eight after a nail-biting 7-3 win at Beddau, while Merthyr beat Bedwas 25-14 on the same day.

The teams observed a minute’s silence before the start as a mark of respect to former Ebbw secretary Ray Powell following his recent passing.

After the early fracas, both teams contributed to a hard-fought but clean contest with Ebbw forwards Ronny Kynes, Joe Franchi and skipper Damien Hudd always to the fore.

But the home side squandered too many chances near the Merthyr line by conceding penalties and making handling errors at crucial times.

Scorers, Ebbw Vale: pen – Jo Lewis

Merthyr: try – L Reed; pens – M Jarvis (2); con – M Jarvis

Ebbw Vale: D Haymond (S Thomas 71); C Levesley, N Preece, D Franchi (D Langdon 57), Ja Lewis; Jo Lewis, R Lewis (D Jones 51); R Jones (I George 49), J Franchi (J Bowen 72), R Sevenoaks (G Robinson 49), D Hudd (capt), L Randall (J Bartlett 71), R Clarke (J Goodey 47), R Kynes, J Davies.

Merthyr: M Jarvis; K Evans, T Gee (A Pincers 71), G Dacey, A Howman (M Thomas 35); G Davies, R Downes (J James 80); N Trevett (J Howe 60), R Williams (M Dwyer 73), G Powell (N Buck 71), L Reed, C Locke (capt), T Daley (N White 67), O Davies, P Rees (M Rees 80).

Referee: Gwyn Morris (WRU)

Argus star man: Ronny Kynes