RGC triumph at Ponty
TWO tries apiece from centres Tom Hughes and Tiaan Loots helped inspire RGC to a magnificent 37-18 win at Pontypridd to set up a play-off clash at Merthyr this Saturday (2.30pm kick-off ).
The WRU National Cup winners continued their dream season by securing a top-four Welsh Premiership finish with a third victory over Ponty this term.
The boot of Jacob Botica opened the scoring with a penalty.
It was Pontypridd that used the ball better but the first real chance went to the Gogs when Rhys Williams raced clear and offloaded to Tim Grey, but he was tackled and knocked on with the line begging.
RGC brought some problems on themselves when the ball was not going to hand, and Pontypridd were allowed to put pressure on the away line.
The home side levelled with a Callum Hall penalty.
Both sides were looking for that killer break and when it arrived RGC took it. Huw Worthington made the run with Josh Leach in support before Hughes finished with the try.
Botica extended the lead with another penalty.
RGC again were masters of their own problems when they missed another lineout and Ponty took full advantage to cross over the line, but the TMO did not give the score.
They did gain a penalty and Hall nailed it.
Try number two for RGC arrived after the centre combination broke with Hughes setting up Loots to score. Botica boosted with the boot to make it 18-6 at half time.
The opening 15 minutes of the second half were all Ponty and it was no surprise when winger Dale Stuckey went over in the corner, after a well-worked move. Hall added the extras.
Minutes later the fly-half missed a penalty, but it was all Ponty with the crowd driving them on.
Stuckey went close again after a kick and chase ended up in touch. RGC nerves were evident on and off the pitch.
Phil John and Mei Parry came off the bench for the Gogs as they looked to get some advantage back at the scrum and breakdown.
A few knock-ons and another missed lineout added to the RGC pressure.
Then the visitors won a crucial lineout and the pack drove on, and kept on pushing before Henri Williams got the crucial try.
The lead increased when Botica added a conversion, but once again Pontypridd answered back with a try from Stuckey after it went to the TMO.
The turning point was in the 65th minute when Ponty were camped on the RGC line, but then spilled the ball and Loots fully punished them. The centre raced the length of the field to score.
Hughes claimed the fifth try of the game and topped off another impressive performance, with Botica hitting another two points to seal it.
Next up are Merthyr, who RGC have beaten three times already this season, but all the games have been very close.