Outgoing RGC head coach Ceri Jones was delighted with his side’s performance as they beat Pontypool 37-26 at Stadiwm CSM in his last home game in charge.
Hooker Jordon Liney, scrum-half Tom Ellis, outside centre Louis Williams, blindside flanker Dan Owen and full-back Sam Earl-Jones all crossed the whitewash for the Gogs.
Earl-Jones kicked two conversions and two penalties while outside half Dion Jones also added a conversion for RGC – who have one fixture remaining, which is a trip to Swansea next Saturday.
Reflecting on his side’s victory, Ceri Jones said: “I thought we beat them with width, and that’s what we discussed before the game. It wasn’t perfect, especially in the first half, where our discipline and turnovers let them into the game.
“They are a good team, and they scored some good tries, so credit to the boys for the win today.”
Defeat for Pooler in their last league match, coupled with Merthyr taking maximum points at Swansea, means Leighton Jones’ side finish the campaign with three straight defeats and end it in sixth position.
They did at least take home a bonus point in defeat, courtesy of their four tries scored by lock Will Gregory, loose head prop Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths, right wing Walker Price and hooker Sam Scarfe. Outside half Matthew Jarvis added three conversions.
It was the home side who powered over for the game’s first try after seven minutes and was scored by Liney. The reply was almost instant from the visitors, who went straight up the other end to score their first try, with Gregory getting it. Jarvis added the extras.
A break from RGC number eight Sam Williams set them up for a second try after 14 minutes as they then went through a couple of phases before Ellis broke free to score with Earl-Jones converting.
It was all square at 12-12 after 25 minutes when a driving lineout routine from the visitors ended with Kelleher-Griffiths touching down. Louis Williams scored RGC’s third try after 33 minutes with a penalty from Earl-Jones sending them into the break 20-12 to the good.
The hosts extended their lead after the re-start with Dion Jones bursting through the tackles before putting Owen in to secure them a bonus point. Earl-Jones converted to make it 27-12.
Pooler responded a couple of minutes later through Price who went over in a corner for a try, which Jarvis improved from a tight angle.
Another Earl-Jones penalty put RGC 30-19 ahead but the visitors set up a thrilling finale when Scarfe went over from a driving maul, with Jarvis converting.
However, the final say would go to RGC who grabbed a fifth try at the death when Dion Jones broke away, dummied and then sent a pass to Earl-Jones who did the rest, with the former converting.
“I thought we played well and showed good composure, kept the ball at the end, and claimed the try to clinch the game,” added Ceri Jones.
“That shows some good learning and we have been on a journey this season. This group of players and the exposure they have had will stand RGC in good stead for the future.”
Scorers: RGC: Tries: J Liney, T Ellis, L Williams, D Owen, S Earl-Jones; Cons: S Earl-Jones (2), D Jones; Pens: S Earl-Jones (2). Pontypool: Tries: W Gregory, D Kelleher-Griffiths, W Price, S Scarfe; Cons: M Jarvis (3)
