Raikes’ double was accompanied by tries from Ryan Wilkins and Aled Ward, with Arthur Lennon and Pedr Jones scoring for the Gogs. The bonus-point in the 29-17 triumph added to Ponty’s joy, while Ceri Jones and his side headed back home with nothing.
“We talked about keeping the momentum rolling after three wins and we were delighted to make it four on the bounce. The bonus point, and stopping them from getting anything, was another positive,” admitted Ponty lock Macauley Cook.
“That will help us going into a big game at the Arms Park next week against Cardiff. We got a draw against them at the start of the season, but we know how dominant they have been in recent years – it will be an interesting game
“We know they will be strong, especially at home. We owe Ebbw Vale one after the start of the season. We aren’t happy where we are in the league and we want to push on and keep on winning games.
“We’ve improved our defence. We have worked hard on it in training and we are working hard for each other and the collisions are much better. If we can keep teams out we have attacking players who can score tries.”
Ponty opened the scoring through Raikes following neat offloads from No8 Joe Miles and openside flanker Sion Parry. The visitors replied with their only score of the afternoon a few minutes later as outside half Lennon pounced on an error from his opposite man Joe Scrivens.
Raikes crossed for his second try after a break from fullback Josh Phillips. The driving maul was in use for the third try before the scrum-half passed to centre Ryan Wilkins, who crossed in the corner as the hosts led 19-7 at the interval.
RGC started the second half with a penalty from Sam Earl-Jones before blindside flanker Ward sealed the bonus point following sustained pressure on the away side’s defence.
There was a second try for the visitors with replacement prop Pedr Jones scoring from close range. Home fullback Phillips then added a penalty to seal victory for the hosts.
Scorers: Tries: J Raikes 2, R Wilkins, A Ward; Cons: J Phillips 3; Pen: J Phillips. RGC:
Try: A Lennon; Con: S Earl-Jones; Pen: S Earl-Jones
