Great day for RGC
IT was the greatest moment in North Wales rugby history as RGC beat Pontypridd 15-11 to lift the WRU National Cup at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Tries from centre Tiaan Loots and prop Ross Davies, plus five points from the boot of Man of the Match Jacob Botica ensured the Gogs edged a dour struggle against the six-time cup winners.
RGC made a dynamic start and thought they had taken the lead in the third minute.
Hooker Evan Yardley was unable to ground at the base of the post, but scrum-half Alex Schwarz dived over the line and referee Rhys Thomas initially awarded the try. However, on consulting video evidence, it emerged Schwarz had knocked on and the score was ruled out. Pontypridd roared back and went close to a try on two occasions, but stoic RGC defending kept them out.
Ponty’s Ben Jones missed two kickable penalties before in the 24th minute Botica showed how it was done, landing a fine three-pointer to break the deadlock.
The Gogs produced the first try of the final on the half-hour when New Zealander Botica fed a lovely inside pass to Loots to ground under the posts. Botica added the extras.
Ponty replied when Jones split the posts at the third attempt.
RGC had to see out the closing minutes of the first half with 14 men after wing Rhys Williams was somewhat harshly sin-binned for a late tackle. And it proved costly as Pontypridd took full advantage when a quicklytaken lineout caught out the Gogs and wing Lewis Williams raced clear to touch down. Jones’ touchline conversion narrowly missed, so it stood 10-8 at half time.
Ponty took the lead for the first time four minutes into the second half when Jones landed a penalty.
The North Walians had a chance to edge back in front in the 50th minute but Botica’s penalty kick went wide.
Then came a huge moment when after much deliberation, referee Thomas ruled Gogs prop Davies had done enough to score a try after a relentless pack surge for the line.
Botica’s conversion was a fraction off, but RGC were now 15-11 ahead.
Another Gogs try could so easily have soon followed but replacement Efan Jones was unable to hold a Rhys Williams pass with a clear run to the line beckoning.
RGC then spent a good 10 minutes battering the Ponty try-line, but the South Walians somehow held out.
Ponty applied all the late pressure, but RGC defended heroically to land the famous cup.
RGC: Afon Bagshaw, Sam Jones, Tom Hughes, Tiaan Loots, Rhys Williams, Jacob Botica, Alex Schwarz, Phil John, Evan Yardley, Ross Davies, Maredydd Francis (c), Andrew Williams, Tim Grey, Josh Leach, Huw Worthington. Subs: Rhys Williams, Joe Simpson, Sam Wainwright, Henri Williams, Will Bryan, Efan Jones, Mei Parry, Carwyn ap Myrddin.