Another big test for RGC after Neath epic
AFTER achieving the greatest win in their short history when they knocked mighty Neath out of the Swalec Cup last weekend, RGC have another huge date this Saturday.
The Gogs will travel south again to take on Championship leaders Bargoed, who ran out narrow 34-30 winners at Parc Eirias last September.
A win at Bargoed Park would keep the North Wales side well amongst the leading pack in the Championship.
However, regardless of the result this weekend, it would be hard to top what RGC achieved at the expense of six-time Welsh Cup winners Neath, where they finished up 32-26 victors last Saturday.
It was the Gogs’ first-ever success over a Premiership side and edged them into the last 16 of the national knockout.
RGC opened the scoring after some early pressure with a James Lang penalty. The home side hit back with a try from Alex Humfrey.
Dafydd Howells added to the Neath lead with a penalty before Lang replied with a three-pointer.
Another penalty from Wales Under20s fly-half Howells then made it 11-6 to the Welsh All-Blacks.
It was not long before the Gogs picked up their opening try. RGC worked the scrum well before Tom Blackwell ran in to score.
As half time approached Neath’s Dean Howell was awarded a disputed try, ensuring the home side went into the turnaround 16-11 ahead.
After Neath were reduced to 14 men in the second period, RGC edged ahead when Josh Leach and Andrew Williams made a break before Evan Yardley burst through the defence to ground by the posts. Lang converted to make it 18-16.
Near the 60-minute mark, the Premiership team worked 14 phases as they camped on the Gogs line before the travellers worked the turnover.
The ball was spun wide to with a superb pass by Lang and Blackwell did the rest. The winger ran 60 yards, evading a tackler and stepping inside with pace to score a fantastic try.
Lang supplied the extras for a 25-16 lead.
Neath landed a penalty quickly to close the gap before RGC claimed a fourth try.
Richard Hopkins hit the gain line before timing a pass perfectly for Afon Bagshaw to sprint under the posts.
The whole team, including the substitutes, surrounded the Wales U20s player, clearly showing how much that score meant to everyone. Lang’s boot added another two points for 32-19.
The final 10 minutes were all about digging in for the North Walians and working hard at the breakdown.
Neath did manage a penalty try, which was converted, but RGC held on heroically for a memorable win on a magnificent day for North Wales rugby.