Dan’s the man as Vale shake off Langdon’s harsh red

EBBW VALE put another massive dent in RGC’s title ambitions as they pulled off one of the most dramatic wins of the season at Eugene Cross Park.

A last-minute penalty from makeshift kicker Dan Haymond, after star performer Dai Langdon was controversially red-carded shortly before, sealed the victory.

RGC opened the scoring in the first minute through captain Evan Yardley, who was gifted a clear run between the posts. A Jacob Botica conversion followed and it was not long before Tom Hughes scrambled over the line to make it 12-0.

But Steelmen winger Toby Fricker hit back with their opening try, and Langdon added the extras. Botica slotted a penalty for RGC, quickly cancelled out by Langdon, before captain Ronny Kynes’ try levelled the scores and Landon’s resultant kick put Vale in front for the first time.

Two further penalties from the Vale fly-half stretched the lead to eight points, but controversy gifted the visitors a route back into the game. Langdon was red-carded for a high tackle despite his opponent appearing to slip as he came in, and Botica kicked the penalty to put RGC back in contention.

Dion Jones’ try levelled the scores moments later, with Botica’s conversion seamingly giving RGC the victory.

But the Steelmen fought back to earn a penalty with barely a minute to spare, and Haymond slotted it to earn the win. Star man Dai Langdon - Ebbw Vale