Merthyr 19 Cross Keys 40

KEYS strode into the fifth round of the cup competition on the back of a convincing performance at The Wern, but by no means did they have matters all their own way.

The Ironmen of Merthyr may be in Division One West but they paid Keys' higher rating in the Premier-ship little respect.

Their attitude to this cup tie was faultless, as from the outset they harried and chased and tackled and covered to a man.

By refusing to be put out of their stride, Keys applied the right pressure at the right time and finished reasonably comfortable winners by five tries to three, prompting director of rugby Rob Beale to comment afterwards: "I am well pleased with this performance. When we drew Merthyr we knew we would have a game on our hands because they are a strong outfit and keen with it.

"That half-time lead (it was 22-7) was not enough and we told the players that, making a few changes in personnel and changing some tactics as well."

The particular area he highlighted for closer examination was the line-out, where Merthyr took several against the throw. But the Keys scrummage was strong and the attacking play of their back division was a metre faster than their opponents could manage.

Scoring star was the angular Marcus Johnstone, who hit his stride to record two tries in the first half and another in the second. This was on the back of quick release from maul and ruck and skilled transfer from James Leadbetter and Ryan James at half-back.

Carl Pocock focused on sub-standard alignment of the Merthyr defence to swoop for an early try, and there was another late in the game from Lloyd Burns, who came on as early as the second minute of the first half following the stretchering off of Rhys Miller with a leg injury.

Overall it was a good away day for Keys, although the line-out will need further attention before round five.

Merthyr: G Thomas; G Pearce (R Sullivan, 74), M Edwards, H Morgan (A Williams, 77), L Williams; M Schopfer, R Harries; J Difford, A Fowler, R James (L Rees, 74), B Mordecai (capt), D Lynch (K Ross, 65), S Wadhan (J Bull, 65), K Dacey (D Jones, 39), P Watkins.

Tries: G Thomas, M Edwards penalty try; cons: G Pearce, M Schopfer.

Keys: L Andrews; C Pocock (S Regan, 25), L Humphreys (D Price, 65), D Dark, M Johnstone; R James, J Leadbetter; D Preece (J Price, 47), R Miller (L Burns, 02), N Buck (C Gould, 41), M Curtis (R Peebles, 44), A Sweet, C Bridges, G Gladwyn (capt) (S Rabuli, 44), J Malpas.

Tries: M Johnstone (3), C Pocock, L Burns; cons: L Andrews (3); pens: L Andrews (3).

Referee: Gareth Simmonds (Cardiff).

Man of the match: Marcus Johnstone.