Wales U18 wing Joseff Jones helped himself to seven of Merthyr’s 12 tries as the Ironmen recorded a crushing 78-7 victory over Brecon to book their place in the semi-finals of the WRU Premiership Cup.
The 19-year-old Cardiff Rugby academy youngster filled his boots with six second half scores at The Wern, adding to his one in the first half from the left wing.
Merthyr, who suffered semi-final heartache against Cross Keys after extra-time in the semis last season, had opened up a 26-0 lead by half time in this last eight tie.
Centre Tom Hughes, other winger Kodie Stone and flanker Daniel Phillips also scored in the first half, with Ben Jones converting three of their four tries.
Joseff Jones’ six-try salvo stole the show after the re-start, while Stone grabbed his second try and full-back Corum Nott also got in on the act, with six of their eight second half tries converted. Ben Griffin scored a lone consolation try for Brecon, converted by Rhys Davies.
Neath, who knocked out cup holders Pontypridd in round one, are also into the last four after squeezing past Beddau three to two on try count, after it had ended 17-17.
Beddau led 17-12 at half time through tries by hooker Ethan Coombes and prop Travis Green with scrum-half Callaghan Smith adding two conversions and a penalty.
The unbeaten Green & Golds looked to be on their way to another hugely memorable win until hooker Sion Jones scored Neath’s third try, two minutes from time, to level matters, with Paul Short’s conversion attempt bouncing back off the post.
Wing Morgan Meaclem and centre Sam Harris, converted by Short, scored for Neath in the first half. There was almost one more twist when Beddau were awarded a last-gasp penalty.
Just as he had done at The Gnoll a fortnight earlier, Ollie Wilde stepped up to take it with a chance to snatch victory, but this time there was no repeat as the ball sailed wide and Neath went through.
Bargoed gave Cardiff Met six of the best on their way to a 40-17 triumph to advance to the semi-finals.
Morgan Powell scored twice with James Locke, Ashley Norton, Logan Yendle and Matthew Flanagan also crossing the whitewash. Joseph Scrivens kicked five conversions. Met’s scorers were Tom Sunray and Ross McKay – who converted both tries and goaled a penalty.
Llanelli Wanderers’ remarkable cup form continues after they recorded a 28-22 home victory over Ystrad Rhondda to also make the semi-finals.
Hooker Dion Roberts scored twice for the Wanderers alongside tries from captain Callum Williams and scrum-half Lucca Setaro. Nick Gale kicked three conversions and Jonny George one.
The Wanderers lifted the Division One Cup back in 2023/24 and then followed that up by winning the Championship Cup last term.
Josh Williams and Lewis Williams scored for Ystrad Rhondda, who were also awarded a penalty try. Lewis Williams added five points from the tee.