RGC are underdogs at Quins, says Jones

RGC 1404 will cement top spot in Principality Premiership West if they win at nearest challengers Carmarthen Quins tonight (7.15pm).

With two games to go before the two divisions come together for the second half of the season, the North Walians hold a sixpoint advantage over the Quins going into the clash.

Mark Jones’ RGC side ran out 26-13 victors when the sides last met at Parc Eirias at the end of September but, since then, the Quins have reeled off six straight wins.

Meanwhile, Quins have also won all six games on home turf this season and Jones reckons his side might be slight underdogs tonight.

He said: “We’re struggling with quite a few injuries, particularly in the forwards and that is one area where the Quins are very strong.

“It’s going to be a real test away from home and the pressure is on them a little bit.

“Last week against Swansea we lost our discipline in the second half and we’re certainly going to need to be a lot better than that because Carmarthen are playing well.”

The other game in the West section this evening is at the Gnoll where Neath entertain Bridgend Ravens (7.30pm).

The Welsh All Blacks, having started the season with back-toback wins and so much promise, have been cursed by a catalogue of injuries that ultimately resulted in them losing eight on the bounce.

They were, though, victorious 19-5 over Llandovery in their last home match that ended that losing streak and were only narrowly beaten at Llanelli in their last match.

In the East section, table toppers Merthyr welcome Ebbw Vale to the Wern (7.15pm) bidding for a ninth straight league victory.

The reigning champions are starting to click into gear again after a mixed start to the season and have the edge on valleys rivals Pontypridd on try count heading into the penultimate rounds of games.

Ponty themselves bagged a bonus-point win over Bargoed in their last match, but it was far from convincing and a tough test awaits them in the shape of Cross Keys at Pandy Park (7.30pm).

Bargoed host Newport (7.30pm), while Steve Law will be looking to steer Cardiff to victory over his old club Bedwas at the Arms Park (7.15pm).

Law and his Cardiff side were defeated 18-8 on his return to Bedwas – where he spent for 16 years at the helm – back in September.