The two teams will meet again at The Wern, Merthyr, on 25 March to determine who will meet either Pontypridd or Newport in the final at Principality Stadium. On this showing Steve Law’s Blue & Blacks will go into the cup contest as firm favourites.
“They are a good side who always stick in the fight. We were pleased to get back to winning ways, but disappointed not to pick up the bonus-point,” said Law after guiding his side to a 30-20 victory.
“We left a few tries out there and, as we get to the business end of the season, every single point counts. We are still clear at the top of the table, but one defeat can haul you back into the fight for a top four finish.
“We’re getting better at what we do and we are looking forward to fighting for more silverware.”
Law has already delivered a cup and league title to the Arms Park and has transformed the fortunes of the semi-pro clubs since his arrival from Bedwas. The player play for him, he has restored pride in the world–famous club jersey and he has helped in the development of a number of players who have gone on to play for the region.
The blend between the academy at the region and the RFC has been one of the rare positives in the game over the past few seasons. If only a similar approach was adopted at the other three regions.
Dan Fish was in charge of affairs at No 10 for the Arms Park outfit and kicked 15 points to steer his side home to a win that was made all the better by closest rivals Aberavon being heavily beaten at home by Pontypridd, giving them an 11–point lead at the top.
Fish swapped penalties with Dion Jones at the start of the game and then made it 6-3 to the reigning champions with a second success. Then he improved the first try of the game by Nathan Hudd, the best openside in the league, after his skipper Morgan Allen had charged for the line.
Marc Thomas was next to cross from the home pack and Fish made it 20-3 with his conversion. Afon Bagshaw clawed back a try from close range after a quick tap and go penalty move and Jones’ conversion meant it was 20-10 at the break.
The RGC revival continued in the second half when Fish had a clearing kick charged down and Theo Mayell pounced on the loose ball to notch a second try for the visitors that Jones converted to cut the gap to three points.
Just before the hour mark Will Keep broke free to race in for a third home try, once again converted by Fish. Jones and Fish swapped two more penalties to complete the scoring.
Scorers: Cardiff: Tries: N Hudd, M Thomas, W Keep; Cons: D Fish 3; Pens: D Fish 3. RGC: Tries: A Bagshaw, T Mayell; Cons: D Jones 2; Pens: D Jones 2
