It was a late try from the former head boy at Monmouth School that helped the Gogs overcome a stubborn Bridgend outfit 27-13 in Colwyn Bay and crown his home debut to prove there is life after administration in rugby.
“It was an industrial performance, and we made it hard work at times. I thought our defence was excellent, which enabled us to keep them out in the opening 10 minutes, and then we went upfield and scored two quick tries,” said RGC head coach, Ceri Jones.
“The crowd again was fantastic, and the atmosphere was superb, and we now need to build on this. If we add the winning ugly to our attacking game, we will give teams some trouble for the rest of the season.”
The Gogs were the better side throughout but were made to work hard for the win by the ever-improving Ravens. Paul Short opened the scoring for the visitors from the kicking tee but the first-half belonged to the north Walians who were physically superior.
The hosts scored the game’s opening try when full-back Dion Jones ran onto the ball at pace to slice open the Bridgend defence before running in unopposed from 40 metres out.
Jones converted his own try, and it wasn’t long before they extended their lead. Powerful centre Delwyn Jones put the hosts on the front foot with the ball spread wide for wing Dafydd Williams to finish at the far left-hand corner. Jones added the extras meaning RGC turned around with a 14-3 lead.
Bridgend drew first blood in the second-half when Liam Tobias powered over from short range. Short converted but Jones extended the home side’s lead with a successful penalty from 50 metres. Jones and Short swapped further penalties but any chance of a Bridgend comeback was soon put to bed.
RGC’s forwards were in the ascendancy with their driving lineout and scrum forcing Bridgend backwards. And after a period of sustained pressure in the Bridgend 22, RGC No 8 Mayall showed his strength to smash his way over the try line.
Scorers: RGC: Tries: D Jones, D Williams, T Mayall; Cons: D Jones 3; Pens: D Jones 2; Bridgend: Tries: L Tobias; Cons: P Short; Pens: P Short 2
