Massive clash for RGC in Welsh Cup
RGC will have their hands full when they host Principality Premiership leaders Aberavon in the last 16 of the Swalec Welsh Cup at Parc Eirias this Saturday (2.30pm).
The Wizards went top of the Premiership last weekend with a crushing 46-12 victory at current Welsh Cup holders Bridgend.
RGC caned Llanharan 93-0 in the previous round, but are sure to find the going much tougher against 2011 cup finalists Aberavon.
Nonetheless, the Gogs did knock out Premiership side Neath in last season’s competition and enter this weekend’s tussle on a good run of form in the Swalec Championship.
Last Saturday saw the North Walians outscore stubborn visitors Beddau 39-17 at Colwyn Bay.
The opening 15 minutes were all RGC with the pack edging closer and closer to the whitewash.
Evan Yardley almost scored before Tiaan Loots crashed over for the first try, James Lang adding the extras.
Beddau were not only a score down but a man short after a yellow card was dished out.
Lang booted over a penalty as RGC took the opportunity to get more points on the board quickly.
The Gogs were looking lively with ball in hand, the forwards making some big gains.
The visitors did not have much time to build on any phases with the work RGC put in at the breakdown.
Huw Worthington and Andrew Wil- liams worked well to get the ball back after the away side made a break down the field.
The second try was one for the highlights package when Carwyn ap Myrddin made a run down the line before passing to Alex Schwarz, and the scrum-half gave a quick off-load back to the winger who ran in for a superb score. The boot of Lang made the conversion.
Danny Cross picked up try number three just before half time and the centre converted himself.
Beddau ended the session with some good play in the RGC half and this led to a try on the whistle.
The home bonus point try came early in the second half, and it was no surprise to see Tom Hughes on the scoresheet again.
Another player who has come back from injury is Schwarz, and after an impressive display last week at Bridgend the scrum-half carried it on at Eirias.
After Beddau had claimed a converted try, a fifth touchdown arrived for the hosts with Schwarz getting it. Cross added the conversion.
To have players such as Loots, Hughes, Schwarz and Andy Baston back from a spell on the sidelines will be a key factor over the next three months with 10 league games to play.
The visitors to their credit still offered plenty in attack and much adventure in spraying the ball around.
This was a positive for RGC as the defence stood tall, preventing Beddau from crossing the line.