Sam the man as RGC reach final

SAM JONES’ sensational late score secured a WRU National Cup final place for RGC 1404, despite them falling behind against Merthyr with less than a minute to go.

Martyn Thomas had ghosted over to give Merthyr the lead for the first time in the match with only 50 seconds left to play.

But RGC regained possession from the restart and then conjured up a superb try for outstanding right wing Jones to cross.

Jacob Botica knocked over the touchline conversion and the Gogs made it three wins out of three this season against last year’s Championship winners.

Carwyn ap Myrddin, on his 100th appearance, and Botica raced over for firsthalf tries to give RGC a 17-3 interval lead.

The Ironmen came out with a bang in the second half. Prop James Howe ran the length of the 22 for his side’s first try and Matt Jarvis converted and then added a penalty to cut the gap to four points.

Then came Thomas’s race for glory and a touchline conversion from Jarvis that seemed to have won the game at the death. But Jones hit back with a historic matchwinner. Star man Afon Bagshaw - RGC 1404