For the Quins it was another defeat in what is becoming a thoroughly miserable season. It was their fifth defeat in a row to stay firmly rooted one point off the bottom of the Indigo Premiership table.
It was the third time in nine games they have been beaten by 30 or more points and the fourth time they had scored seven or less points.
“It was a pragmatic display from us. We showed respect to Quins early on but took the points when we had the chance,” said a delighted RGC head coach, Ceri Jones.
“The try at the start of the second half changed the game for us, and we took control. Defensively the effort was there, and we didn’t want to concede and then we were clinical in attack to get the bonus point.
“I might be overly picky as a coach after a 40-3 win, but our discipline could have been better, and we can be even more clinical when we create opportunities.
“We have some good momentum, and the squad is in a good place heading into two tough games against Pontypridd and Merthyr.”
To make matters even worse for the visitors, they had Sion Jones sent off late in the game. RGC’s Cam Davies went with him, but his offence only merited a yellow card.
The victory moved Afan Bagshaw’s men for a play-off place and given their next two games are at home over the Festive period, they could move even higher. No team is going to enjoy travelling to Parc Eirias as it is becoming one of the toughest places to go to get a result.
“The Prem Cup win was great and it keeps the interest going into 2023, but we won’t play the semi-final until March. That meant our total focus has shifted to the league,” said RGC skipper Afan Bagshaw.
“We’re on a good run now, but it’s only good if we keep on winning. Having back-to-back home games in December is a huge bonus and we want to make sure we take full advantage.”
Sam Rogers and Jac Wilson swapped penalties in the opening 15 minutes before things started to warm-up. Rogers kicked one of his next two shots at goal for the home side to make it 6-3 before Delwyn Jones ran onto a neat kick ahead to notch the first try of the game.
That made it 11-3 to the Gogs and it was 21-3 at the break after Efan Jones had sniped his way over from a stolen line-out and Rogers had kicked five more points.
The second half started with a Dan Owen try for the home side, Rogers converting, and then Harri Evans profited from a cross-field kick to bag the bonus-point try. RGC lost two players to the sin-bin in the final quarter, replacements Bill McSweeney and Cam Davies, while the Quins saw one of their replacements, Davies, receiving his marching orders.
There was a flourish at the finish by the Gogs with hooker Rhodri King crashing over to complete the rout. Rogers converted.
Scorers: RGC: Tries: D Jones, E Jones, D Owen, H Evans, R King; Cons: S Rogers 3; Pens: S Rogers 3. Carmarthen Quins: Pen: J Wilson.
