Fixture

The quest for a play-off spot continues for RGC after they defeated current Principality Premiership Champions Ebbw Vale at Eirias.

The game itself was a scrappy affair interupted with some well executed tries which earnt the home side the bonus point win.    

Full-back Afon Bagshaw knew the opening 20 minutes would be crucial “That opening quarter was always going to be physical.  Ebbw Vale had a point to prove after last time, plus I am sure they weren’t too happy about having to come up North again this season. The tempo was high and we had to match them at every point.  Looking at the last 10 minutes we pride ourselves in having a strong defence, and the boys did a job to stop them getting over the line.”

“It’s always good picking up a try with a win, with Tiaan Loots and Tom Hughes making the space in games runners like Carwyn Ap Myrddin, Rhys Williams and myself reap the benefits”

“This was like a cup final for us in regards to keeping in the race for a play-off spot, and now we can focus on the WRU National Cup Final next week”

RGC were the team with the more attacking start to the game, with Carwyn Ap Myrddin and Tom Hughes having some luck with ball in hand. Jacob Botica missed a penalty opportunity early as well.

The try was coming and it arrived after some good work from Ap Myrddin who passed the ball to Tim Grey to do the rest and score. Botica couldn’t convert.

Ebbw Vale then kicked a penalty to get some points on the board from the boot of Geraint Jones.

RGC then grabbed try number 2 after some good work from Tom Hughes, before Afon Bagshaw received the ball and the full-back stormed over the line.

It was a repeat of the first try when Ebbw Vale got another penalty and put another 3 points on the board from Jones

The RGC lead was extended with a Botica penalty before the visitors began to get some attacking ball and test the Gogs defence.

Jones nailed another penalty kick and Ebbw Vale were a point behind RGC, as the game became scrappy with both sides failing to gain any flow.

The 2^nd half started with an Ebbw Vale try in the opening minute, with William Davies getting the score after some good work from the forwards. Jones hit the extras.

Botica was able to draw his side level with a penalty and at 19 all the game was in the balance.  Ebbw Vale then picked up try number 2 when Joe Franchi evaded some tackles to run over the line. The boot of Jones was on target with the conversion.

The visitors were looking more positive with the ball in hand, but RGC were not helping their cause with a number of missed tackles and the momentum was with the Steelmen.

Fly-half Botica was finding his range and his 2 penalties edged RGC within a point of the visitors.

It was always going the be the case that the next score would be a crucial one and RGC picked up the ball and the try after a good offload from Sam Jones and hooker Evan Yardley showed some great running to touchdown.

The bonus point try came soon after when substitute Rhys Williams crashed over in the corner.  Botica hit the conversion.

If that eased any nerves in the crowd, then finger nails began to get bitten after Ebbw Vale scored another try when Mike Preece scored and Jones hit the extras. 75 minutes on the clock and RGC were leading 37-31.

RGC were looking for that score to take them clear whilst Ebbw Vale knew a converted try would see them clinch the win.

It was the Steelmen who went for it, and RGC put in some dogged defensive work to keep the visitors out.

Botica opted for a penalty in the 79^th minute, but his kick fell just short from the halfway line. Ebbw Vale had the ball and with the clock hitting 80 minutes they were forced into touch with RGC claiming the win.