The Gogs just managed to edge Aberavon 30-27 in a thriller at the Talbot Athletic Ground, while Neath finally hit their straps to shock the Drovers in a 19-5 home win. Carmarthen Quins’ bonus-point triumph at Swansea ensured they overtook Llandovery and Llanelli pipped Bridgend.
“Now we’re top, teams are trying that extra bit harder to beat us. I thought Aberavon were very worthy of a draw and it was a great game for the neutral,” said Jones.
“It was one of those games where whoever lost wouldn’t have felt too disappointed as both teams played so well. In the first half we kept possession a bit too deep in our own half and that allowed Aberavon to pressurise us more than I’d have liked.
“In the second half we got into their half more and got the ball in behind their backs more often. Overall, we gave a good 80-minute performance, we kept up the intensity throughout, with and without the ball.”
With only three games to go before the two divisions come together, Jones will know that with only 15 points left to play for, two more wins should see them finish top and take the full eight points to carry over into the second phase. They host Swansea this weekend before ending up with trips to Carmarthen Quins and Bridgend.
Aberavon’s consolation in defeat was two points as they outscored their visitors by five tries to four. They finish with trips to Llandovery and Neath and a home clash with Llanelli.
Tom Hughes crashed over five minutes from time to gain victory for the North Walians – his second try of the game. Aberavon’s five tries brought only one conversion, but skipper James Garland close with his attempts from wide out.
As it was, Garland scored two superb tries in a game that saw RGC led 20-12 after 30 minutes. His superb cross-kick also saw Chris Banfield put Aberavon ahead 22-20 some 15 minutes later.
Neath picked up their first win, 19-5, since 2 September to end a run of nine straight defeats to boost their confidence, while Llanelli’s 23-18 home win over the Ravens kept them a point ahead of the Wizards in fourth place.
