Flying start for Gogs:
AFTER beginning their third Premiership season with an impressive 37-19 home win over Neath last weekend, RGC will go all out to build on that result when they visit Swansea this Saturday, reports Scott Lawson.
The visitors began the game in attacking fashion, with plenty of possession in the opening 10 minutes
It was no surprise when the Welsh all-blacks opened with a try from Aaron Bramwell, converted by Ed Howley.
Minutes later they nearly went over again, but a great tackle for Sam Jones pushed Howley into touch yards from the line.
It was the boot of Billy McBryde that brought RGC their first points of the season with a penalty. RGC were in the ascendancy with Efan Jones picking up the play from the back of the pack and they began to build in attack.
The work around the breakdown was winning both ball and penalties, adding to the pressure on the Neath defence.
Rhys Williams and Dion Jones combined to work some space in a tight midfield. The Gogs were having plenty of possession but not making many yards with ball in hand.
RGC’s opening try came from the pack, after they rumbled over, with Evan Yardley getting the touchdown.
Both sides were reduced to 14 men when Joe Simpson and Darren Hughes were shown yellow cards before McBryde extended the lead with another penalty.
Iolo Evans made a great sidestep to open up some space before passing to Efan Jones and, when the ball was worked wide, Mei Parry went in at the corner. McBryde hit the extras.
Neath ended the half stronger and they took advantage of the pressure with a try. Aled Jenkins collected the crossfield kick and scored to close the gap to 18-12 at the break.
RGC came out and took the game away from Neath with a great try from Efan Jones. Centre Rhys Williams made the strong run before setting up the scrum-half under the posts. McBryde booted the extras.
The bonus point try came from some patient phase play. RGC were camped on the Neath line and when they finally moved the ball wide, Iolo Evans ran in. Fly-half McBryde kicked the difficult points.
As the clock reached the 60-minute mark RGC offloaded the bench which, understandably, changed the pace of the game with some new faces getting used to the play.
Ilan Rowlands began to make some good carries and it was another replacement who claimed try number five. Bailey Rae burst down the wing and evaded a few tackles to cross the whitewash for his side’s final score.
Neath did reply late after they drove over the line and the referee awarded the penalty try on 80 minutes.
There is a bus for supporters who want to travel to Swansea this Saturday. Cost £10 for RGC supporter club members or £20 for non-members. It costs just £2 a year to become an RGC club member.