It is still early days in the season, and all teams are settling in.  Over the past few years we have looked at improving our away form and, when you look at it, currently we are unbeaten on the road and lost 2 games here.  Those 2 defeats came from the league leaders and the 2nd place team.

Against Ebbw Vale we had the better of the game; dominated, but didn't push on, which cost us. The Merthyr performance was the one that we are all disappointed with, but we showed character last Saturday when we went to Llandovery and ended their 20-game unbeaten home record.

As I said, there are plenty more twists and turns, and any team in the top 6 can, and have, beaten each other. The other thing I have noted is the amount of BPs that are being picked up. Maybe as there is more jeopardy this season, teams are playing for 80 minutes, trying to get something from the game...as, come the end of the season, all points will be vital.

We have a few boys back in the forwards department, which has given us a nice headache over selection...as we decide on which players will work best against the opposition, along with managing the players’ welfare over a long season.  It certainly means training has had more intensity, with the boys aiming to get in the starting line-up.

I would also like to give huge thanks to the travelling support that were superb at Llandovery. The noise they made before, during and after the game made a huge difference. When I watched the game back on TV, it sounded like a home game for us.

Hopefully, you will get behind us from kick-off today and cheer us on, as the noise and support drive the players on, especially at the times they need to dig in.

As always enjoy the game

Diloch

We caught up with RGC Women's Rhodd Parry, who is in her debut season with the Region.

How did you get started?

I’ve grown up watching both my brothers Rhodri and Mei play rugby and always thought it would be fun to try myself, so when my local rugby club (Holyhead) started a women’s side, I jumped at the chance to play. I have now been playing for a year and a half and loved every second of it.

How are you enjoying RGC?

It has been a brilliant experience for me. I have learnt so much from the coaching staff and team. Being able to develop my rugby at RGC has been, and continues to be, a very enjoyable experience.

What's the group of players like?

AMAZING! Being able to play alongside such a talented team is an honour for me. The girls are all so welcoming and are always ready to help, on and off the field.

Has having Mei play helped you?

Having Mei helps a lot, as he has so much experience on and off the field and he isn’t afraid to tell me his honest opinion. However, this can cause us to butt heads from time to time, but Mei knows best, I suppose.

Any goals for the next year?

My goals for the next year are to continue playing and improving my rugby.

RGC Coach Rachel Taylor has also been impressed with Rhodd “She’s been a real find this season. Someone who’s commitment to training is really starting to pay off. She fully embodies the way we want to play rugby and is already scoring tries for us! I’m excited for her; there are lots of opportunities in the women’s game now, and I feel that if she continues to work hard, she could see some real gains.”

RGC Women claimed an impressive win against Dragons at Stadiwm Zipworld, with winger Jess Kavanagh grabbing a hat-trick. It was the home side that started brightly, with some good attacking intent, but they couldn't capitalise on the possession and territory. Dragons took the lead with a try, but credit to RGC as they continued to play heads up rugby

The game was struggling with any flow, as both sides racked up the penalties. Midway through the half, RGC got on the scoreboard, when Kavanagh crossed the line, and took the lead with a Bethan Davies conversion. RGC would have felt they should have had a bigger lead, but a lack of composure let them down at times.

The Dragons tried to get back in the game, and the RGC coaching staff would have been delighted with the defence, as they kept the visitors out time and time again.

That composure was there in the 2nd half, and speedster Kavanagh claimed two more tries with clinical finishing. Bethan Davies was on form with the boot, but the fly half grabbed an individual try when she intercepted a pass in halfway and raced down the pitch to touch down. She also added the extras.

The game was put out of reach when Hannah Hughes picked up a try in her home debut. The Dragons did claim a couple of tries towards the end of the match, but it was a day to remember for the home side in front of a large Stadiwm Zip World support.

Coach Rachel Taylor was delighted for her players, especially to win at home: "Great performance today; it’s such a special occasion for the girls to have a home game, so I’m happy more for them that they stepped up and delivered in front of their friends and family. Next week is a really tough prospect, but now we can go knowing what we can do!" 

Round 5 

Sunday 14 October, Parc y Scarlets
12.30 Scarlets v Dragons 
14.30 RGC v Ospreys

We catch up with former RGC player James Jones

Years at RGC

3 and a half….cut short due to injury, unfortunately.

Position

Tighthead

Funniest story

Too many to choose ... all the bus trips home were amazing experiences.

Best memory

It was the first game at Gilfach Goch; great to see that a lot of the guys who played that day are still here or have moved up the ladder.

What does your time at RGC mean to you?

Looking back, my time at RGC meant so much, and I was immensely proud to have been one of the guys that was part of the start of the journey. Great to see that we've gone from strength to strength – I now love nothing more than watching on a Saturday afternoon.

Favourite Song

It was the one when Kelvin and Rhods used to serenade one another... it had us all in stitches!