14-man RGC hit back for fine victory over Llanelli

RGC held off a spirited Llanelli to move into sixth place in the Indigo Premiership.

The hosts were forced to play with 14 men for an hour after prop Jordan Scott was dismissed for throwing a punch.

It didn’t stop them battling back into the game and controlling long periods of the second half.

“First off it was a good win, especially having to play with 14 men for 60 minutes,” said RGC head coach Ceri Jones.

“Llanelli have put in a few good performances in recent weeks so to get the win is a massive positive.

“The red card was unfortunate, and we will need to look back at it. It was a massive effort, and when the set-piece and cool heads were needed, the players delivered.

“Defensively with the man advantage, Llanelli didn’t get any points on the board in the second half, which is credit to our discipline and fitness.

“We showed composure, our kicking game was good and made sure we moved the ball upfield, forcing Llanelli into errors under pressure.

“Joey Simpson put in a great shift after only playing limited minutes and shored up the scrum.

“We got that penalty try, and the set-piece looked strong.

“We needed the pack to perform, and it did when we went a man down.

“We move onto Cardiff next weekend. It will be a chance to test ourselves in the Arms Park.”

The deadlock was broken by Dan Owen, who was quickest to latch onto a loose ball after he charged down an attempted clearance.

Llanelli hit back with a try from Corey Baldwin after Scott had been sent off.

RGC retook the lead with a penalty from Sam Rogers but Llanelli quickened the tempo and scrum-half Luke Davies crossed for a well-worked try. Phillips added the extras. The visitors led 12-10 at the interval but RGC hit back straight after the break with a try through Rhodri King.

Dion Jones added a penalty and after a series of penalties the referee awarded the hosts a penalty try.