Simpson marks RGC 150th milestone with WRU National cup victory

BANGOR man Joe Simpson made his 150th RGC appearance as they impressively progressed in the WRU National Cup with a 35-17 win at Newport last Saturday, reports Scott Lawson.

Prop Simpson has been one of the Gogs’ most consistent players of recent seasons and was delighted to mark his milestone with a victory in a competition RGC won two years ago. Mark Jones’ side will now aim to add to their cup success by picking up vital league points in a testing trip to Ebbw Vale in the Premiership this Friday.

It was all RGC in the opening minutes under lights at Cardiff Arms Park last Saturday, and they were rewarded with a try from Efan Jones, Billy McBryde hitting the conversion.

The visitors continued to attack with Bryn Jones and Andrew Williams carrying well. The scoreboard ticked on with a McBryde penalty.

Evans managed to get over for a try after a good break from Danny Cross and a fortunate set up following a Dion Jones kick. The next score was one for the highlight clips, as Dion Jones collected a kick on his own 22-metre line, broke the defence and passed to Mei Parry, before Harri Evans jinked past some tackles to grab his second try, McBryde boosting with the boot.

Try number four came after good work from the pack, Hughes finally crashing over.

Newport replied when Geraint O’Driscoll touched down and Hadyn Simmons claimed the conversion: 27-7 to the visitors at the interval.

Early in the second half Hughes again opened up the field, and Iolo Evans crossed the line. McBryde added a penalty – 35-7.

Former RGC Academy player Adam Sabri attacked towards the line, before being tackled but Mathew Read followed in support to score.

With changes off the bench, RGC did not really have the same flow as the first half and Newport were enjoying more of the ball and territory. The hosts had one last go, the pack driving towards the line and picked up their third try via Dan Preece.