Merthyr moved into the semi-finals of the Welsh Schools Morgan Griffiths Competition with a strong performance over a robust Powys side.

Merthyr heated up a cold afternoon with a early score from prop Liam Jenkins. This was soon followed up with tries from Captain Lewis Hughes (2) and fellow centre James Howe who finished off a flowing move which involved live wire half backs Darryl Jenkins and Josh Mahoney. The half was finished off with a try from No.8 Giancarlo Howfield who drove powerfully from the base of a scrum, Captain Hughes converted.

The second half saw Powys come back into the game but solid Merthyr tackling saw flanker Rhydian Burke intercept a loose pass and gallop 50m to score beneath the posts with outside-half Mahoney converting.

Merthyr`s scoring was rounded off by a fine backs move which led to James Howe collecting his second try of the game. The spirited Powys side got a deserved try through Rhys Jones with the final play of the match.

Coaches Darran Bool, Matthew Jacklin and Nigel Way saw this performance as the best of the season, with the team now looking forward to a semi-final against Neath, Bridgend or Swansea Valleys Schools on the 19th March.