15 Apr 2023
Pontypridd 32 RGC 35
Saturday 15h April 2023.
With a game full of points and the lead changing 10 times, the result in the balance up to the end RGC came away with the bonus point win.
RGC shot out the traps fast with an early try from Efan Jones. Fly-half Dion Jones made a great break to open the pitch before the Gogs scrum-half was set up for the score. Dion Jones added the extras.
The homeside then got hold of the game and were working the phases well, and were rewarded with 2 penalties from Jospeh Scrivens to give his side the lead.
Scrivens was hoofing the ball to test the aerial skills of Bagshaw at times.
Ponty then extended the lead when they kicked ahead before scrum-half Joel Raikes ran in to score the try. Again the boot of Scrivens was on point for the extras.
It was a fairly open game, and RGC took advantage when Efan Jones collected a loose ball and galloped down the pitch to grab his 2nd try. Dion Jones converted.
RGC had a chance to extend the lead but Jones hit the penalty chance wide.
It was Pontypridd’s chance to go close next but a knock-on just before they touched down meant a try was chalked off.
Penalties were scored by both fly-half’s as the scoreboard ticked over at a fast rate and the lead swapped on a couple of occasions.
On the halftime whistle, RGC put their noses in front with Dion Jones going in at the corner after great work from Rhys Hamilton at the breakdown. Jones converted.
It was Ponty that claimed the 1st score of the 2nd half when centre Tommy Morgan ran in for a simple score with Dale Stuckey adding the conversion.
Dion Jones again put his side back in the lead with a penalty, but Stuckey answered back kicking 3 points minutes later.
RGC backed themselves when they went for a scrum after winning a penalty, and were justified when Efan Jones nipped from the back to snipe over for the hatrick try. Dion Jones was unable to find the target with the conversion.
He was on target soon after with the penalty and RGC were now 6 points in front.
The points were in the Gogs favour but the man advantage was with Pontypridd when replacement Christian Hone was yellow carded and Stuckey hit the penalty to claw it back to 3 points
RGC had the chance to extend the lead with a penalty, but went for the quick tap and Dion Jones raced down the paddock to set up Sam Williams but they fell at the final hurdle when the pass couldn't find RGC hands.
It was a bit of a lottery at the line-out for both sides which added to the flow of the game, with plenty of ball ending up in the wrong hands.
Dion Jones kicked long which looked like it eased some pressure but it was judged to have gone out on the full, which was a really close call.
Ponty were still in the game and RGC continued to give away penalties which gave the homeside some territory and pressure on the Gogs defence in the final few minutes.
It was a nervous watch but credit to RGC who kept composure, held the line and came away with the penalty and the bonus point win.
After a tough couple of games on the road it means RGC end there away travels the season with the result and sets them up for the final game of the season against Swansea on Saturday 29th April at Colwyn Bay RFC.
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