Bangor close in on Premier title:
RGC scrum half Efan Jones turned in a standout performance for a high-profile regional academy side.
The former Welsh Under-18 star started for Scarlets A in their weekend clash with Ulster A, and the Wrexham native was at his brilliant best to score a notable treble in a narrow 35-32 Celtic Cup loss for his side.
Robin Williams also made a considerable impact for the Scarlets after being named in the starting line-up for the encounter.
Jones has widely been regarded as one of the most promising young players anywhere in the country for a number of years and was a leading influence for the Gogs last term throughout the Indigo Group Premiership campaign.
He came through their Academy ranks at Rydal Penrhos School in Colwyn Bay where he earned his national honours, before moving on to Bangor University to study a degree.
The back’s third score of a pulsating contest gave the Scarlets a 29-23 advantage heading into the closing stages, but they were unable to withstand a wealth of pressure from the Irish outfit late on in defeat.
Jones was handed more responsibility by recently departed head coach Mark Jones last season following the departure of Alex Schwartz to Cornish Pirates, and he thrived under the extra pressure to earn both the Overall Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year accolades at the club’s end of season presentation evening following their final day win over Cardiff.
Another RGC star was involved in Celtic Cup action last weekend, with Tim Grey turning out for Cardiff Blues A in their 47-28 loss to Leinster A.
The powerful forward produced an encouraging display against quality opposition, with the Blues’ squad also featuring former Gogs’ skipper Evan Yardley, who left the club earlier this summer.
In a high-scoring friendly at National League One side, Rosslyn Park, RGC were beaten 59-52 as they continued their preparations for the upcoming 2019-season which begins on Sunday, September 8 with a home clash against champions Merthyr.
Oscar Lennon joined the squad, and he can cover a few positions in the backline with the 19-year-old having previously played for Llandudno, Nant Conwy, Hartpury College and Gwernyfed.
Eifon Roberts who plays in the backrow for Holyhead also featured, along with Rhys Tudor, a former academy player from Pwllheli who had been playing on the wing for Hartbury and RAMS.
RGC Under 16 preparations for this season’s Regional Age Grade Competition continued with a visit to South Wales for the Super Series event.
Their opening game saw them gain a hard-fought 12-0 win over the Dragons Red side, the young Gogs tries coming from Gareth Parry and Harvey George.
Next up were the Cardiff Blues South, possibly the strongest side in the competition, and although the RGC side competed throughout they went down by 21-0.
The final game was scheduled to be against the Ospreys West, however the latter due to injuries picked up during the course of the afternoon were unable to field a team and with the Tournament schedule being rejigged the Cardiff Blues North became their final opponents of the afternoon.
In a hugely physical contest, the Blues raced into a 15-0 lead before RGC struck back through Huw Davies and were threatening again when the game was ended a minute early following an injury.
RGC academy manager Josh Leach expressed his delight at how the afternoon had gone,
“The Super Series event provides a real challenge for both our players and coaches as it pitches us against the best young talent in Wales at the Under 16 age-group” he said.
“All 26 players who took the field during the course of the afternoon acquitted themselves well in what was a hugely physical environment which bodes well for September when the RAG Competition begins.”
RGC Under 16s’ opening fixture will be against Cardiff Blues South at Parc Eirias this Sunday, September 1, kick-off at 2.30pm.