RGC clip Ravens’ wings to finish top of the pile in the West Conference

RGC cemented top spot in the West Conference after beating Bridgend in the drizzle at the Brewery Field.

Full-back Dion Jones scored twice for the North Walians and inspired them to a victory that means they bag the maximum eight points on offer to take through to the second phase of the campaign – when West joins up with East.

The Ravens knew they would be sixth regardless of this result and therefore carry three points through ahead of another meeting with RGC at Parc Eirias next weekend.

RGC finished 27 points above Bridgend but, with the new structure this season, they now start the second phase just five behind.

Bridgend made the perfect start with the first try after just 70 seconds.

It was scored by fly-half Cai Evans, who chased down a kick ahead to dot down and then also converted.

Evans landed a penalty on 32 minutes to extend that lead to 10-0 after Jones was pinged for not releasing.

Gogs’ fly-half Jacob Botica got them on the scoreboard with a penalty after 36 minutes while, moments later, Evans was just wide with another penalty attempt.

The visitors levelled right on half time when Jones latched on to Dan Owen’s superb offload to dive over with Botica converting.

RGC were reduced to 14 men early in the second half when skipper Evan Yardley was sent to the sin-bin but, despite Bridgend piling on the pressure, they managed to hold out.

Botica then split the posts again on 55 minutes to give RGC the lead for the first time.

Jones scored his second try of the afternoon four minutes later, finishing off a break led by centre Tiaan Loots, and Botica’s conversion gave them a 10-point lead with a quarter of the game remaining.

Tom Hughes got his name on the scoresheet in the latter stages with Botica again converting.

The win for RGC saw them bounce back from defeat at Carmarthen Quins three weeks ago which ended their 11-game unbeaten run.