PRINCIPALITY PREMIERSHIP

A LAST-MINUTE try from lock Tim Grey snatched a draw for RGC 1404 in their Principality Premiership clash with Llanelli at Parc Eirias.

Although, with the top two Aberavon and Merthyr both losing, it meant Mark Jones’ side missed the chance to go second and this draw – the first in the Premiership this term – means they remain third in the table and five points off the pace.

The game also marked a 100th RGC appearance for back-rower Andrew Williams with the forward, who has been with the team right from their first game back in 2011, the first man to achieve the milestone.

Llanelli fly-half Billy McBryde got the scoreboard ticking with a penalty on eight minutes and, after RGC No.10 Jacob Botica levelled the scores on 12 minutes, McBryde booted another three points moments later to put them 6-3 up.

However it was the home side who scored the first try of the afternoon on 15 minutes when, following a line-out, Botica sold the Llanelli defence a great dummy to cut through and score, although he missed the conversion.

McBryde added a third penalty on 23 minutes, before Botica landed his second effort from the tee nine minutes later to edge the home side back into the lead.

Although it was the West Walians who took a narrow one-point lead into half time after McBryde booted his fourth penalty right on the break to go 12-11 in front.

The visitors then stretched their lead three minutes after half time with their only try of the match scored by wing Ryan Conbeer although the conversion was missed.

McBryde then slotted over a drop goal on 55 minutes to put the visitors 20-11 up but, back came RGC, with Botica crashing over for his second try in the corner moments later after a great breakaway move.

McBryde kicked his fifth penalty on 69 minutes to put his side 23-16 up but, just when it looked like they were on their way to a memorable away win, Grey crashed over at the death with Botica converting. RGC: Tries: J Botica (2), T Grey; Con: J Botica; Pens: J Botica (2). LLANELLI: Try: R Conbeer; Pens: B McBryde (5), DG: B McBryde.