PONTYPOOL’S WRU National Cup run is over after they went out at the hands of Principality Premiership powerhouse Merthyr in their re-arranged quarter-final tie at the Wern, writes Carl Field.

It was certainly a battling display from Leighton Jones’ Pooler who, for large parts, more than matched the Ironmen but, ultimately, indiscipline would cost the National Championship leaders.

Tries in each half from centre Arron Pinches and hooker Rhys Williams were the difference for Merthyr with full-back Matthew Jarvis booting their other points.

Pooler’s points were two penalties from fly-half Matthew Jones, but they were unable to reproduce the magic of their win over Carmarthen Quins in the last round, or indeed those memorable victories at Llanelli and Cardiff in the competition last year.

The hosts began well with Jarvis getting the scoreboard ticking with an early penalty after only a minute.

They were soon over for the first try of the match moments later when a powerful run from Pinches saw him crash over on five minutes, with Jarvis taking care of the extras.

Jones missed a penalty opportunity for Pooler on 13 minutes but made no mistake with his second attempt eight minutes later to pull the score back to 10-3, before Jarvis restored the hosts’ 10 point-advantage with another penalty.

Jones then booted his second penalty four minutes before the break as they trailed by seven points, while both sides went into the break a man short with Richard Carter and Pooler’s Clayton Gullis both yellow carded.

Pooler were then reduced to 13 men eight minutes after the re-start when No8 Ben Sparks was sent to the sin-bin and Merthyr took advantage immediately, as hooker Williams powered over for their second try of the match to extend the lead to 18-6.

Jarvis, though, was well wide with the conversion although he did nail his third penalty from the tee on 56 minutes.

Jarvis missed another penalty attempt on 68 while there was still time for another yellow card for each side – Michael Herbert for Pooler and Craig Locke for Merthyr – but the hosts saw out the victory to secure a second straight semi-final appearance for them.

For Pooler, this display demonstrated, once again, they can more than compete at this level.

Merthyr – Tries: A Pinches, R Williams; Con: M Jarvis; Pens: M Jarvis (3)

Pontypool – Pens: M Jones (2)