We must up our game
RGC head coach Mark Jones has warned his side they can never get away with under-performing at Premiership level.
Jones’ stern words followed last weekend’s 19-12 home defeat against Ebbw Vale, which saw the Gogs switch off in the second half.
RGC’s unbeaten start to the season was scuppered by the Steelmen, who chalked up 13 unanswered points in the second 40 minutes.
A disappointed Jones said: “We didn’t come out after the break. As a team, we can’t compete if we drop 20 to 30% off our level. We are not good enough as a team to under-perform, as like all teams then susceptible to problems, we get exposed.
“We have a chance to address the issues this Friday at Pontypridd, but our attitude needs to be better. It doesn’t get any easier with upcoming games against last year’s third-place team, winners, second place and cup finalists.
“If we don’t turn up then we will find it difficult. It is no use playing for 40 minutes – we need to compete for 80 minutes.
“The players will need to learn quickly and I also need to learn about the players’ character if we are to improve – and improve quickly.”
The Steelmen opened the scoring with an early penalty from Rhys Jones, before RGC found some rhythm in the backline
The hosts attacked and Andrew Williams picked up the RGC try after a maul pushed the visitors back. Billy McBryde hit the extras.
RGC were making strong runs with some direct lines, Dan Owen surging forward. When the Gogs had ball in hand they were using it well, testing the oppo- Pictures: STEVE LEWIS sition. As the game reached the halfway point, both sides were battling in the midfield trying to find the advantage in the scrum.
RGC were dealing with the Ebbw attacks with some good exit ball plays, clearing the danger and making sure the game was not played in their half.
Iolo Evans made a couple of big tackles that could be felt in the stands, while centre Rhys Williams was a fingertip away from an interception but knocked on.
The visitors made it a one-point game with a second Jones penalty, but things then became messy in midfield. Both sides traded knock-ons and interceptions in a frantic spell of rugby.
RGC took command in the latter stages of the half, with some patient phases to move the ball wide. Hooker George Roberts was knocked into touch with the try-line in sight
When RGC played the heads-up rugby, they looked clinical and that was the case when Iolo Evans finished a great back-line move with a touchdown, much to the delight of the home crowd.
The first half closed with the North Walians looking more dominant and, when they managed gain-line breaks, they made some good yards with ball in hand. The interval came with RGC 12-6 up .
Vale started the second half similarly to the first with an early Jones penalty.
McBryde had a chance with a penalty kick from halfway but the ball dropped short of the posts.
Winger Iolo Evans was forced off after he made another big tackle, and the game started to slip away from the Gogs.
Ebbw upped the ante and tied the game with a Carl Meyer penalty.
The scrum started to work to the visitors’ advantage and, after a couple of penalties, the Steelmen were awarded a penalty try, which was converted, to claim the lead.
RGC had played with pace and good hands in the first half but, in the second, the tempo was slower and broken up which played into the visitors’ hands.