Cross at the double for table-toppers Cardiff
Dewi Cross hoisted his try tally for the season to 19 as he sped in for two second-half scores that earned Cardiff top spot in the Premiership.
With a home semi-final place, as well as top spot overall, up for grabs at the Arms Park, Steve Law's side ensured they will have the advantage when Newport head to the Welsh capital on Sunday for a repeat of the Premiership Cup final.
With his side trailing
7-3 at the end of a highly competitive first-half, Cross turned on the style to steer his side to a bonus-point win. Merthyr finish in third and travel to Llandovery on Sunday for the other semi-final.
Merthyr began in fine style with hooker Rhys Williams driving over for the first try which Josh Lewis improved. Cardiff then lost scrum-half Tom Habberfield to a yellow card and saw Wales U20 full-back Cam Winnett limp off with a dead leg.
Dan Fish got the reigning champions on the board with a penalty. It wasn't until Cross went over for his first try three minutes into the second half that the Blue & Blacks found their feet.
Evan Lloyd was next over and Cross sped clear to bag his second, Fish once again converting to turn a four-point deficit into a 15-point lead with further tries coming from Fish, Mark Thomas and Freddie Barnes, converted by Harrison James.
Star man
Dewi Cross – Cardiff
