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PREMIERSHIP: McIntosh wants double success for Merthyr

PREMIERSHIP: McIntosh wants double success for Merthyr

Merthyr head coach Dale McIntosh has challenged his players to back up their stunning WRU National Cup triumph against RGC 1404 this weekend.

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The Ironmen travel to North Wales on Saturday top of the Principality Premiership table and McIntosh is relishing the challenge of achieving a historic double with Merthyr after their 41-7 Cup win over Newport.

RGC are currently fourth in the table and have made huge strides under the guidance of former Wales wing Mark Jones.

“We need to get 12 points from the next four games to ensure we win the title,” McIntosh said.

“That’s definitely achievable, but it’s not certified. We need to go to RGC and try to get something from there even though it is a tough place to go.

“We are writing history all the time with Merthyr, but there is a lot of external and internal pressure on us.

“Not a lot of people like us because of the money we have spent, but you can’t fault the backing of those that have supported the club.

“Sir Stanley Thomas loves the town and wants the team to be successful. We are still building a new identity at the club, but we are getting there.

“The history of this club is in the second and third division, but that’s different now and hopefully we can attract a lot more players who want to put the jersey on and play for us.”

Elsewhere in the Principality Premiership, Newport welcome Cross Keys to Rodney Parade in a Gwent derby.

The Black and Ambers currently occupy eighth spot in the table while Keys are in 12th spot.

And Newport head coach Craig Warlow has urged his side to bounce back from their Cup final defeat to Merthyr.

“We were frustrated,” said Warlow.

“That’s the word to describe how we played in the final. To get the chance to play at the Principality Stadium and not truly reflect where we are as a team was disappointing.

“It’s a strange feeling because we didn’t show what we are capable of. We have a wealth of support at this club and we want to make sure we don’t finish the season badly.

“I’ve seen improvements this season and we need to keep showing them right up until the end of the campaign.”

Neath face Aberavon on Friday night while Llandovery host second-placed Carmarthen Quins in a Scarlets derby on Saturday.

Quins are just a point behind Merthyr and need to win to keep up the pressure at the top of the table.

Third place Pontypridd host Cardiff in another derby, while Bridgend welcome Bargoed.

Ebbw Vale face Bedwas on Sunday.
 
Friday

Neath v Aberavon – 7.30pm

Saturday

Bridgend v Bargoed -2.0pm
Llandovery v Carmarthen Quins – 2.30pm
Newport v Cross Keys – 2.30pm
Pontypridd v Cardiff – 2.30pm
RGC1404 v Merthyr – 4.30pm
 
Sunday
Ebbw Vale v Bedwas – 2.30pm
 

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