Victory marks milestone
CAPTAIN Maredydd Francis marked his 100th appearance for RGC with a victory, but felt the North Wales side had failed to reach their usual high standards.
RGC claimed an 18-17 win at Parc Eirias over Bridgend to say second in the Premiership West standings, but close the gap to Llandovery to just two points after the leaders went down to a 26-12 defeat at Carmarthen Quins.
Second-row Francis notched a century of RGC appearances in the win, but feels there is still a lot more to come from his side.
“It was a good occasion but our performance didn’t reach our normal standards but we will take the win,” said Francis.
“It is a great honour to reach the 100 mark and to run out with the boys is always special.
“Bridgend Ravens were worth their money but we dug deep.
“We have made Stadiwm Zip World a difficult place for the opposition to play at, which is what we need.”
The game will be remembered for a late penalty winner from Jacob Botica, though the rest of the encounter won’t make many highlight clips.
RGC did enough to win the game but they made it difficult for themselves throughout the 80 minutes.
It was Sam Wainwright who claimed the first points with a try in the opening five minutes.
The score came after some good pressure from RGC with a bright opening as they looked to keep the unbeaten home run going.
If it was the home side that started well, the next 35 minutes was far better for the Ravens.
They played much of the ball in the RGC half and managed to get points on the board with an Evans penalty.
Fly-half Evans had another chance when he booted a penalty from past the halfway line, but it went wide.
Ravens continued to build some pressure, but their try came from an RGC attack when Dion Jones threw a pass which was intercepted by Harri Morgan who capitalised and scored. Edwards kicked the conversion to extend the lead.
The visitors were asking the questions and RGC had to defend deep, with Andrew Williams and Robin Williams both making some good tackles to stop another try.
RGC opened the second half with some good phase play as they looked to get back into the game.
They were able to get close to the Bridgend line but couldn’t get over the whitewash. Bridgend were then reduced to 14 men when hooker Thomas was yellow carded.
The home side weren’t able to make that man advantage count and a couple of line-outs misfired, easing pressure on Bridgend, who were able to clear the ball with the boot.
The try did arrive and when it did, it was to the crowd’s delight as Harri Evans went over. Substitute Botica hit the conversion to give RGC a twopoint lead.
That lead was extended minutes later with a Botica penalty and some of the nerves in the crowd were eased.
But the nerves returned as the clock ticked down, and Bridgend worked their way back up the pitch.
They got a line-out and drove on before Frances was yellow carded.
From the next attack Bridgend were awarded a penalty try to make it 17-15 to the visitors.
But the North Wales resolve came into play and in the last minute RGC won a penalty from the Bridgend scrum and Botica smashed the ball home from the halfway line.