RGC1404 ran in five tries as they eventually overran a competitive and physical Gilfach side. Flanker Tom Parry crossed twice with centres Mike Jones and Harri Evans and winger Richard Hopkins also getting themselves on the score sheet.
Horsman was particularly pleased with how his young side took on their opponents up front as well as running in five tries.
“This is a step up of about four or five leagues for our boys who have been playing in division one north and division two north and to come into division one of the national leagues is a huge step,” he said.
“There were a few nerves but with a young side and coming to a difficult place we’d have taken 42 points this morning. The lineout was exceptional and we dominated and controlled theirs.
“Gilfach are a very good side and their results over the last few years show that no one comes here and wins by that margin of points so we’re really, really pleased.”
After a scrappy opening to the game in blustery conditions, RGC1404 took control through tries from Jones and Evans with fly-half Rhodri Carlton-Jones adding the extras to give his side a 14-0 lead.
Two infringements from the visitors allowed Gilfach Goch full back Ian Davies to narrow the lead to eight points before RGC pulled further clear when Hopkins dived over in the left hand corner. Carlton-Jones missed the conversion and when Gilfach flanker Craig Davies replied with a try just before half-time, RGC led by just eight points.
The start of the second half saw RGC forward Parry score his first try after he picked up a loose ball and although the visitors allowed the scores to get close at one stage there was only ever going to be one winner.
After securing possession, it was the RGC backs who looked the most dangerous with Evans running some dangerous lines from centre and scrum half Alex Shwarz feeding his backs effectively.
Sustained spells of pressure saw RGC waste a number of gilt-edged chances and even though they saw two players receive yellow cards they ran out comfortable winners.
Parry scored again with Carlton-Jones adding the conversion and although Andrew Williams crossed for Gilfach, two late RGC penalties from Carlton-Jones secured the win leaving Horsman happy with how things went.
“It’s a fantastic day for north Wales and I feel very humbled to be the head coach,” he said. “It’s not just me though, so many people are involved in it and I feel humbled really to be lucky enough to head it up.”
