RGC look to build on win at Newport

RGC 1404 are confident they can build on last week’s stunning win at Newport with another victory at Ebbw Vale.

The Gogs endured a miserable start to the season losing four out of their opening five games, but have bounced back winning backto-backgames against Merthyr and Newport, respectively.

And RGC scrum-half Efan Jones insists his side are relishing the opportunity to make it three wins on the trot at Ebbw Vale tonight in the eastern conference of the Premiership Cup.

“The challenge was to back up the Merthyr win, and we did that last week,” said Jones.

“It was a huge defensive effort at Newport, as we dug in during the second-half. Of course, the next challenge is to do it again on Friday night, and it is another tough test on the road at Ebbw Vale.

“We have some momentum now, so it’s a case of pushing on but making sure we again do the basics right and look at how we manage the game. You can see the improvement week on week on our performances, and the big thing is turning performances into points.

“We are beginning to settle as a group as well, and when you look at the squad everyone is stepping up when they come in. After a spell out with injury, it’s great to be back playing and enjoying my rugby.”

Elsewhere, tonight Aberavon will be hoping to maintain their position at the top of the western conference as they face a home clash with Carmarthen Quins. The Wizards have been the form side in the Premiership Cup but will be wary of a Quins side who beat Swansea last weekend.

Llandovery, who are a mere two points behind Aberavon face a very difficult trip to the Brewery Field to face Bridgend. The Ravens may be fourth in the conference, but they have taken some big scalps this season.

Tomorrow, Llanelli host Swansea at Parc y Scarlets in what has historically been a hotly contested derby. Llanelli have struggled badly so far this season and are rooted to the bottom of their conference having played eight and lost eight games.

In the eastern conference Newport will be very keen to bounce back from their shock home defeat at the hands of RGC last weekend, but it will be difficult against a Merthyr side who have a very strong record at the Wern.

And Cardiff have an opportunity to return to the top of the eastern conference if they can beat archrivals Pontypridd at Sardis Road.