Jones and Botica secure another win
RGC clinched top spot in the Principality Premiership West Conference after an impressive second half performance secured a 27-10 victory against Bridgend Ravens last Saturday.
The Gogs were initially second best against a Ravens outfit which raced into a 10-0 lead courtesy of a try, conversion and penalty from Cai Evans.
RGC finally got some points on the board at the 35-minute mark when Jacob Botica (pictured) put over a penalty.
As half time approached RGC full-back Dion Jones went over for a try, and Botica’s conversion made it all-square at the break.
The second half did not start to plan for the visitors when they were reduced to 14 men with captain Evan Yardley shown a yellow card, but despite the man disadvantage they pushed on looking more likely to take the lead.
That lead came when Botica Kicked his second penalty to put them ahead, and they did not look back. Dion Jones made a dart and picked up his second try which Botica converted.
Pressure and territory were all going in RGC’s favour and in-form centre Tom Hughes grabbed a try with the on-fire boot of Botica sealing the victory.
The result, RGC’s 11th victory in 14 starts, mean they win the Premiership West Conference by a five-point margin.
They now take eight points into the combined Principality Premiership and face Bridgend Ravens again at Stadiwm Zip World this Saturday (2.30pm).
RGC: Dion Jones, Afon Bagshaw, Tom Hughes, Tiaan Loots, Harri Evans, Jacob Botica, Cam Davies, Joe Simpson, Evan Yardley (c), Sam Wainwright, Andrew Williams, Robin Williams, Tim Grey, Dan Owen, Alex Taylor. Rhys Williams, Curtis Reynolds, Jordan Scott, Callum Donnelly, Bryn Jones, Efan Jones, Danny Cross, Iolo Evans.
● RGC’s Principality Premiership fixtures for rest of 2017/18 season: Dec 30: Bridgend Ravens (h); Feb 3: Llandovery (a); Feb 10: Neath (h); Feb 17: Carmarthen Quins (h); Feb 24: Swansea (h); Mar 10: Aberavon (a); Mar 17: Bargoed (a); Mar 24: Llanelli (a); Mar 30: Cross Keys (h); Apr 2: Cardiff (a); Apr 7: Pontypridd (a); Apr 14: Bedwas (h); Apr 21: Ebbw Vale (a); May 5: Merthyr (h)l May 12: Newport (h).