RGC clinch win over champions
RGC kicked off their Premiership campaign with a superb victory over champions Merthyr at Parc Eirias.
It was a dream start for new head coach Matt Silva but his side were predictably taken all the way by the visitors.
The game swung in RGC’s favour when Merthyr full-back Matthew Jarvis was yellow carded for an intentional knockon.
At the time the visitors were leading 14-9 but with a man advantage the Gogs scored a try from Rhys Tudor and the momentum shifted.
It was an edgy first half with both sides trading penalties.
The boot of Billy McBryde and the Merthyr fly-half Rhys Jones made it a 9-all game at the break.
Tom Hughes was impressing with some powerful carries, as RGC were looking to find that space in defence.
Merthyr caused some problems to RGC when they managed to turnover ball, but again the home defence was composed and dealt with the attacks. THE Scarisbrick & District Armada pays its annual visit to Anglesey Circuit this coming Saturday for its biggest ever Plop Enduro event.
The “Plop” refers to the Small Honda C90 machines which have been so popular over the years.
In 2012 a motorcycle club in the idea of staging an endurance event for teams of up to four riders,
Jordan Scott made a huge tackle on Ashley Norton as he raced down the wing, and that set the tone for the half.
Danger man Aaron Pinches also prodded at the gaps in the backline but didn’t cause too many problems in the 80 minutes.
Tudor was making his debut on the wing, and his run and sidestep brought the game to life as he dodged the Merthyr tackles.
At the start of the second half, the Ironmen started with some real intent and tested the Gogs defence with some strong running from Hemi Barnes. using the Honda C90 moped. Quite machines can be converted into a respectable race bike, and with plenty of shed time, respectable
On the first attempt in 2012, Trac Môn were very happy to receive this new style event, and the venue is now a firm club favourite.
This year about 400 participants
The pressure told when Matthew Jarvis ran in at the corner, but Jones failed to add the extras.
Jarvis was then yellowed minutes later and the tide turned.
The case for a penalty try could have been made, but RGC got their reward minutes later.
RGC controlled the phases and created some space before a crossfield kick found winger Tudor who collected the ball in the air and scored.
McBryde hit the conversion to take the lead.
Merthyr had a chance to regain the lead, but the boot of Jones misfired with the penalty. will be racing 100 bikes. The race start will be gridded, with racers released in three waves. Each machine is fitted with a and laps. The outright winner is the bike that completes the most laps before the chequered flag.
The discipline of the visitors was being highlighted and with the extra man RGC extended the lead with a driving maul, before George Roberts crossed over for the try. McBryde again hit the conversion.
The champions’ spirit didn’t die, and they looked to get back in the game. Sam Jones looked on before a pass was spun too high and he couldn’t take advantage.
RGC defended the line with Beau Williams and Robin Williams standing a few runners up.
Tension built when Merthyr’s Jones knocked a penalty over to bring them within six points in the last five minutes.
Memories of last season’s last gasp defeat would have been etched on players’ and supporters’ minds, but this time RGC were strong in that defence and composed to keep going in the tackles.
Merthyr again targeted the lineout and driving maul, but RGC’s Andrew Williams nicked two lineouts to the relief of the watching crowd, and the victory was claimed.
RGC are back in action on www.sdarmada.co.uk Saturday, September 14 when they face Cardiff at Parc Eirias in the Specsavers Cup, kick-off is at 2.30pm.
RGC’s under-16s made it two wins from two with a 55-12 away win against Dragons Black.
The home side scored the first points of the game when they crossed for a try after only three minutes and it took another 10 minutes for RGC to reply with one of their own from fly-half Tom Jarman.
Further scores were to come in the first period from man of the match Huw Davies (2) and Cain Jones.
Jones converted two of the four tries scored to make it a half-time score of 24 points to 7 in RGC’s favour.
The second half started in much the same way as the first had with the Dragons scoring the opening try, but this was to be their only score of the half with RGC running in further tries from Davies (2), Tomos Hughes, Rob Muirhead and Cain Jones.
Jones slotted over three further conversions to give RGC a comprehensive victory despite a good effort from the hosts.