2 Oct 2021
RGC 15 Newport 27
Saturday 2nd October 2021
Newport turned the game around with 4 tries in the second half to pick up a bonus-point win at Parc Eirias, as RGC failed to build on a strong opening 40 minutes.
The Gogs began the game with some real attacking intent as they put pressure on the Newport defence. Some good kicks were testing the visitors in the wet conditions. Dion Jones collected a high ball but was unable to get the ball away.
Scrum-wise the pack was working well, gaining the upper hand and causing Newport numerous problems.
RGC soon opened the scoring after Harri Evans collected the kick ahead and touched down. Danny Cross converted.
The visitors answered back with a penalty from Will Read. Both sides then tried to get decent ball as it became an arm wrestle in the middle of the field.
Handling was becoming tricky and RGC went through some good phases but knocked on at a crucial stage.
RGC’s defence was having to stand strong and Sam Williams came up with some good turnover ball as the visitors worked to the line.
The Gogs claimed try number 2, which got the Eirias crowd going. Dion Jones put a kick ahead and Sam Williams collected it with Tom Hughes in support before Rhys Tudor finished.
RGC headed into the break 15-3 up, after playing a good 40 minutes of rugby.
Newport came flying out the second half with a couple of big tries, from Ferriman and Andrews and the momentum and game shifted away from RGC, and struggled to get a foothold back in the game.
With the score level Newport started to kick for territory and turn RGC. The boot of Read and O’Brien were on point and RGC were on the backfoot.
RGC failed to play with the same composure of the opening 40 minutes. With the rain continuing to fall, RGC needed to be more accurate with the kicking but they were giving the visitors easy ball and Newport were taking full advantage.
Tommy Ellis made a good tackle as he knocked Andrew into touch as he drove down the wing.
When RGC looked to stage an attack, it was from deep which in the end didn’t trouble Newport.
The kicks kept on coming and they looked to put pressure on the RGC set piece time and time again. It was proving difficult for RGC to build the phases and get the ball moving.
RGC’s scrum was still looking strong, which is something they will look to build on for the Ebbw Vale game next week.
New Hooker Brodie Coughlan came on for his debut, and added some impact around the tackle and breakdown area.
Newport took the lead when the pack drove over in the corner and Palmer came up with the ball and the try.
The ball was finding its way into Newport’s hands, and they were kicking for territory and making sure the game was being played in the homesides half.
Newport’s 4th try took the game away from RGC, and it came after the ball went loose in the middle of the pitch and the Newport replacement ran down the wing to score. The boot of Read hit the conversion.
RGC face Ebbw Vale next Saturday, 5.30pm at Parc Eirias, and need to take the positive aspects of the first half into the week ahead.
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