The Ironmen were under pressure having lost the opening two fixtures but succeeded in getting their Premiership campaign back on track at the Wern on Thursday night. And former Wales Women’s coach Phillips, who replaced Dale McIntosh in the summer, believes his side can build on this victory.
“We’ve shown in all our games that we are capable of producing some really good moments but this time we managed to put everything together,” said the former Wales No 8.
“I’m really pleased for the players who have been playing very well, and I’m proud of them. We knew Bridgend were going to kick a lot so there was a lot of work for the boys in the back field to do.
“We always had belief that things would improve. There are no short cuts.”
Bridgend opened the scoring when Evan Yardley powered over from short-range off the back of a well-worked driving lineout.
But the hosts hit straight back when centre Rhys Davies showed his strength to force his way over the line. Merthyr were in complete control and former Wales scrum-half Tavis Knoyle extended their lead to 15-10 on the stroke of half-time with their second try.
The home side turned the screw after the break with an innovative backs move which included some impressive handling between backs and forwards resulted in Sam Jones touching down. By now Bridgend’s back had been dismantled as Merthyr’s forwards charged towards the line with a powerful maul to allow No 8 Tom Daley to score to claim their bonus point.
And Merthyr weren’t finished yet with a brilliant cross-kick from Davies finished expertly by Adam Hoskins at the far left-hand corner to put the icing on the cake.
In the Premiership today top of the table Aberavon will be looking to maintain their early season form as they host struggling Carmarthen Quins. Jason Hyatt’s side are overwhelming favourites with the west Walians languishing towards the bottom of the table with no wins to their name.
Defending champions Cardiff will be confident of keeping the pressure on Aberavon as they take on fifth place Ebbw Vale at the Arms Park while Llandovery host last seasons runners-up Newport at Church Bank.
Wales tighthead WillGriff John starts for Llanelli in their home clash with RGC at Parc y Scarlets. This is the former Sale Sharks props first appearance of the season, and he will want to impress as he looks to force his way back into the Scarlets squad.
Llanelli have named a strong side with loosehead prop Sam O’Connor openside flanker Luca Giannini having played for the Scarlets during their defeat to Ulster last Saturday. Elsewhere, Justin Burnell’s Pontypridd face Swansea at St Helen’s.
Pontypridd thrashed Bridgend last weekend, and will be looking to build on their performance against a Swansea side who have failed to make much of an impact over the past few seasons.
