■By JON DALY
A HAT-TRICK from wing Alex Howman inspired Principality Premiership powerhouses Merthyr to a thumping over Newcastle Emlyn at Dol Wiber to book their place in the second round of the WRU National Cup.
However it was an at times bad-tempered affair with both sides being reduced to 14 men just five minutes into the second half. Emlyn’s Dai Jones and Merthyr tighthead prop Rhys James were both given red cards by the officials for fighting.
The Ironmen, who were beaten by eventual winners RGC 1404 in the semi-final of this competition last season, set their stall out ea...