Pontypridd no match for RGC:
ASECOND half performance of pace in attack and steel in defence earned RGC an impressive 26-8 bonus point win over Pontypridd at Parc Eirias.
It was the visitors who crossed the line first with former RGC prop Ross Davies going over for the try.
Unlike previous games this season, RGC regrouped and got a hold of the game with some solid phase play and were rewarded with a try from Jordan Scott. McBryde added the extras.
They extended the lead with a superb attacking run from Tom Hughes who offloaded to McBryde to dive under the posts. The fly-half added the conversion.
The breakdown and turnovers were causing havoc for both sides, as the game opened up. Tom Hughes made a couple of breaks.
Pontypridd edged back in the game with a penalty from Jones before halftime.
Whatever was said at halftime it worked as RGC came out firing on all cylinders.
Efan Jones darted through but was unlucky with his kick ahead.
Beau Williams and Harri Evans set up some solid phases as they worked towards the Ponty line.
Jordan Scott was also making his presence known with big carriers.
The third try came after Sam Rogers made some space before passing to Afon Bagshaw who touched down.
George Roberts grabbed the bonus point, with some good footwork to pass the tackles to run over the line. McBryde hit the conversion. The pace from the runners was electric, and Pontypridd were struggling to deal with it.
As much as the attack impressed, the final 20 minutes was about defence, with some tackles from Tim Grey, Bagshaw and Harri Evans all standing tall.
RGC went down to 14 men when Rhys Roberts was yellow carded, but it didn’t stop the work load of the defence who kept the waves of attack back from the visitors.
Bagshaw again made a try saving tackle after he dumped the Pontypridd attacker over the touchline.
McBryde’s boot cleared the ball at key times and the visitors were nilled in the second half.
Ahead of the clash, Matt Silva said he and his players haven’t enjoyed the three-week break since their last game.
“If we had won against Llandovery then it would have felt different, but after a defeat all you want to do is have another game as quickly as possible,” he said.
RGC now enter a busy few weeks and the head coach is looking to see his team start to get some momentum.
“With a run of games, we have a chance to build some results, and of course we focus on winning all games, but we do feel we should be targeting winning at home as a starter,” he added.
“The crowd behind us gives us that extra push, and the boys know that by winning it sends everyone home with a smile on their face.”
Skipper Tom Hughes has also looked back at the last couple of games in which RGC have gone behind early.
“We have a chance to get back to winning ways, and put some results together but we need to focus for 80 minutes and not be in a position where we are chasing the game after the opening quarter,” he said.
● RGC’s next game is on Saturday, October 19, when they face a trip to Llanelli, kick-off is at 2.30pm.
The next home game at Parc Eirias is against Cardiff on Saturday, October 26, with the kick-off slightly later at 5.15pm.
● RGC are inviting any North Wales coach of all age groups to attend training sessions for seniors or age grade through the season.
Training takes place Monday, Tuesday and Thursday at Parc Eirias. RGC senior sessions start at 5.30pm; RGC U18 sessions start at 6pm; RGC U16 sessions start at 6.30pm. If any coaches do wish to attend then get in touch with Josh Leach (jleach@ wru.wales) so the club know they are coming and can ensure the time can be made to make them welcome and brief them on the content of the sessions.