LATE TRY FOR BRIDGEND DENIES RGC VICTORY

A late Iestyn Merriman try secured a 23-20 victory for Bridgend at RGC in the Indigo Premiership.

Edd Howley also scored for Bridgend with Jamin Hodgkins converting both tries along with three penalty goals.

Jordon Liney and Jessie Williams scored for RGC with Sam Earl-jones kicking 10 points: RGC had led 14-13 at half time and 20-16 late on before Howley’s late score.

RGC announced last week that by mutual agreement Head Coach Ceri Jones will leave his current position at the end of this season.

“I have nothing but positive words to say about Ceri,” said RGC general manager, Alun Pritchard, in the announcement on the club website.

“He is a true gentleman who has helped create a positive working environment across the region and sacrificed a lot in the interests of RGC.

“However, I feel it is the right time for change, with new emphasis and a fresh approach, particularly with the revitalised proposed EDC league structure.

“RGC will continue to fight for the remainder of the season, and I have full faith in Ceri, as the true professional he is, to give his all and help RGC finish as high up the league table as possible whilst continuing to develop our young squad.”

Jones joined RGC in September 2021 and feels now is the ‘right time for me to explore new opportunities.’

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with RGC and I’m extremely proud of the player development that has taken place during my time here with the likes of Efan Jones and Brodie Coghlan going on to achieve professional contracts.

“I’ll do all I can now to ensure we have a positive finish to the season, and I can’t thank the players and the staff enough for all their time and effort during the past three years,” said Jones.

“We will be going out to advert in the near future to find the next head coach who will help continue the development of rugby for RGC and across North Wales,” added Pritchard.