Plenty of positives in defeat for game Gogs
RGC head coach Mark Jones believes his players will benefit from the ‘big learning curve’ experienced in Friday’s heavy defeat to Wales at Parc Eirias.
Although the Gogs conceded 14 tries, they also scored three of their own in the 88-19 loss watched by a capacity crowd of 5,300 at Colwyn Bay.
While Jones was a little disappointed with the overall margin of defeat, he took a number of positives from the performance.
“We were a bit overpowered in the end,” he said. “I’d envisaged Wales scoring between 50 and 60 points, so to concede over 80 was a little disappointing as we gifted them four or five tries.
“But it was a big leaning curve; we showed plenty of endeavour and to get three tries against a national side was rather pleasing.
“Our commitment was tremendous, but the power and size of the Wales squad – and the depth of it – made it very difficult for us at times. To be able to field basically two international teams did take its toll on us.
“However, I thought we did well at the set-piece. We’ve got some very good players, but Wales were able to commit a lot more defenders at the breakdowns than we were.
“The ball was moving around so fast, it was very difficult for us to get it into the hands of our players who could do the most damage.”
Wales, shorn of their Lions contin- gent and affected by numerous injuries, led 54-19 at half time with tries from Ellis Jenkins (2), Cory Allen (2), Tyler Morgan (3), and skipper Jamie Roberts, Gareth Anscombe landing seven conversions.
RGC hit back with scores for fullback Afon Bagshaw, a crowd-rousing interception try from centre Tom Hughes and a close-range effort from hooker Evan Yardley, Jacob Botica putting over two sets of extras.
The hosts were unable to boost their total in the second half, which saw Alex Cuthbert (2), Tom Young (2), Allen and Ancombe add further Wales tries, Owen Williams landing two conversions.
Former Wales wing Jones, capped 47 times for his country, added: “We did ask some questions of Wales and the stats provided by them after the game proved that.”
As for the occasion itself, Jones was full of praise for all involved.
“It was a brilliant event; the guard of honour pre-match from youngsters representing various rugby clubs and the after-match was superb.
“It was a great occasion to be part of for the supporters, coaches and the players.
“With the Wales squad training in North Wales, it made sense for them to end the week with a game and I think we deserved as Welsh Cup winners and a top-four Premiership side to play them.
“Many expected a mismatch, and score-wise I suppose it was in some respects, but the efforts of the players made me more than happy.”