By ALEX BYWATER
JAY Baker was the spark behind Merthyr’s gritty win over Aberavon as the Ironmen started the defence of their WRU National Cup crown.
Baker came back to haunt his former team mates by creating tries for Lewis Williams and Matthew Jarvis.
Aberavon staged a late rally and replacement scrum-half Jacob Flynn crossed with Merthyr down to 13, but it was not enough. An even first-half saw a penalty apiece from home outside half Liam Popham and Jarvis.
Aberavon scrum-half Iwan Temblett was yellow carded for a deliberate knock on at the end of the first-half and Merthyr crossed...