RGC beat the Turks
RGC head coach Mark Jones insists last weekend’s thrilling 25-22 win over Llanelli will count for little unless they follow up with victory at Neath this Saturday.
The Gogs bounced back from their 31-10 opening day defeat at Llandovery to pip the Turks a week later thanks to Jacob Botica’s late penalty.
“It was a very nip and tuck game,” said Jones after the match. “Llanelli impressed me both in attack and defence, which caused us problems.
“Looking at the game, we did better in the second half and credit to the players who reacted to what was happening in front of them.
“As a group we want them to learn to make decisions on the field, and they did that, we stayed in the game and when it was needed we controlled the ball and got that penalty. That said, the result won’t mean anything unless we back it up next week at Neath.”
RGC started the game with some intent as they ran the ball well.
Tom Hughes scored the opening try with Botica kicking the conversion.
The game turned after Llanelli claimed a try from winger Thomas Rogers.
And from that point the away side grew in confidence and played some heads up rugby. Soon after they took the lead when winger Ryan Conbeer went over in the corner.
As much as Llanelli attacked well, RGC would have been disappointed with some of the missed tackles which gave the opportunities to the visitors. Nonetheless, it was RGC’s turn to get a try next, and it was all down to the pack. The eight worked hard at the scrum to earn a penalty and from the resulting kick to touch and line-out a driving maul was formed and then drove on. Henri Williams came up with the ball and the try. Botica added the extras.
The crowd were on their feet after Harri Evans made a run down the wing but was stopped in his tracks.
Half time arrived with the score 14-10 to the home team.
The second half started positively for RGC when Evan Yardley picked up the ball at the back of a maul and went over for the try. Llanelli were reduced to 14 men when Tom Phillips was sent to the sin-bin.
The extra man did not work in RGC’s advantage as Llanelli’s Matthew Flanagan scored after the home side’s defence was split open.
RGC responded by working some good positions and Botica increased the lead to 22-15 with a penalty.
That lead was nullified when Craig Simpson notched Llanelli’s fourth try and replacement Nathan Hart hit the conversion for 22-22.
With the game all-square and the clock ticking down RGC controlled the ball and worked some good phases.
Botica hit a great touch-finder that rolled over the visitors 15-metre line.
Further pressure led to a penalty that Botica put over with two minutes to go.
Llanelli rallied but RGC held firm.