HONOURS EVEN IN REAL THRILLER
THE clash in Colwyn Bay between two of the Principality Premiership’s title chasers ended in a thrilling draw.
An even opening to the contest saw Jacob Botica fire a penalty narrowly wide for the Gogs, while at the other end Steffan Marshall was on target as he managed to secure a successful free-kick to put the visitors ahead after 13 minutes.
This provoked a strong response from Mark Jones’ side, who took control of possession for long periods and were rewarded on 26 minutes when centre Tom Hughes darted through the Quins rearguard to cross the white wash. Botica fired over the conversion.
The away side responded well to the setback and they managed to get their noses in-front once again after 35 minutes when a surging drive from the pack resulted in number eight Richard Bloomfield touching down, with Marshall adding the extras.
RGC almost went into the break ahead when a brilliant piece of individual skill from Iolo Evans fed Botica, but the New Zealander mishandled and knocked on at a critical time.
Bloomfield was sent to the sin-bin just before the interval, and RGC 1404 took full advantage of this with the final action of the first period when the impressive Evans went through to cross the line for an unconverted score.
The second half saw Quins come out on the front foot and a superb passage of play on 41 minutes when Dylan Morgans burst clear to score. Marshall coolly fired over the conversion.
Back came the Gogs with a sustained period of pressure which saw in-form full-back Dion Jones continue his scintillating run of form.
He skated in for another superb try after 52 minutes, but Botica rattled the upright with his extra-points attempt.
The fly-half made up for this miss by putting the title hopefuls ahead on 64 minutes thanks to a superb penalty following a series of infringements by Quins.
Marshall pulled the visitors level towards the end of the contest with another flawless free-kick on 78 minutes.
Both sides cancelled themselves out in the closing stages to ensure they both went home with a share of the spoils after a pulsating encounter between two contenders for the topflight crown.