It didn’t stop the Gogs from battling back into the game, controlling long periods of the second period and moving up one place into sixth in the table on the back of a 25-12 victory.
“First off it was a good win, especially having to play with 14 men for 60 minutes. Llanelli have put in a few good performances in recent weeks so to get the win is a massive positive,” said RGC head coach Ceri Jones.
“The red card was unfortunate, and we will need to look back at it. It was a massive effort, and when the set piece and cool heads were needed, the players delivered.
“Defensively with the man advantage, Llanelli didn’t get any points on the board in the second half, which is credit to our discipline and fitness.
“I thought we showed composure, our kicking game was good and made sure we moved the ball up field, forcing Llanelli into errors under pressure. Joey Simpson put in a great shift after only playing limited minutes and shored up the scrum.
“We got that huge penalty try, and the set piece looked strong. We needed the pack to perform, and it did when we went a man down. We move onto Cardiff next weekend. It will be a chance to really test ourselves in the Arms Park.”
Llanelli started the game brightly, forcing RGC into a number of mistakes early on, as they held firm for the opening quarter of the game.
The deadlock however was soon broken, as Dan Owen was quickest to latch onto the ball over the line after he charged down an attempted clearance kick from Llanelli’s Josh Phillips.
The home sides’ momentum however was soon broken, as Llanelli hit back with a try of their own through Corey Baldwin after Jordan Scott was sent off.
RGC then retook the lead with a calm penalty from Sam Rogers. Llanelli quickened up the tempo and scrum-half Luke Davies crossed over for a well worked try, as Phillips added the extras, to lead 12-10 at half time.
The hosts hit straight back after the break with a try through Rhodri King following a period of pressure on the visitors’ line.
RGC’s half backs continued to control the game well, which allowed Dion Jones to add a comfortable penalty. The North Walian side’s scrum was on top late on and after a series of penalties, the referee was forced to award the home side a penalty try.
Scorers: RGC: Tries: D Owen, R King, Pen Try; Con: S Rogers; Pens: S Rogers, D Jones. Llanelli: Tries: C Baldwin, L Davies; Con: J Phillips.
