Bridgend 28 RGC 34
Saturday 21st December 2024
On the shortest day of the year, RGC dug deep for the longest 20 minutes to end a game and claim their first away win of the season
On the 2nd opportunity from the boot, RGC took the lead with a Billy McBryde penalty
That score was increased minutes later when Harri Hughes set up Dion Jones to cross the whitewash, and McBryde added the extras.
RGC controlled the opening quarter before the home side began to get a foothold in the game and in the Gogs half.
Winger Cameron Ellis went close before Harri Hughes and Rhys Tudor put him into touch. A couple of penalties on halfway led to kicks to touch and the attacks continued, with RGC unable to gain much possession.
The Gogs defence was being tested and the crack was found by McCauley Rowley, and the full-back ran in for the try, with Ben Burnell getting the conversion.
RGC answered back and were clinical when they regained some ball, moved through phases before McBryde fired a pass wide to Ethan Fackrell who collected and raced to the line to score. From the touchline McBryde’s boot was on target with the extra 2 points.
RGC speed both at the ruck, and ball in hand was fast, with Sam Williams putting through Dan Roderick with a clever offload before the scrum-half was chased down.
Try number 3 arrived on 35 minutes, Pedr Jones made the break and carried so hard the tackler was taken with him before he set up Dan Owen. The RGC captain had the speed and the step to run in at the posts. McBryde on target again.
Bridgend then went back on the attack, but Dan Owen was a nuisance around the breakdown, pressurising Bridgend into a knock-on.
On the halftime whistle McBryde continued his 100 percent kicking ratio with a penalty and a 20-point lead heading into the changing rooms
The Ravens came out for the 2nd half with real intent and were rewarded when former Gogs hooker Evan Yardley crashed over and Burnell hit the conversion.
RGC went close with a Sam Stoddard break before Dion Jones was tackled into touch yards from the whitewash.The home crowd were warming up, urging their side back into the game but RGC were digging deep and winning key turnovers.
Rhys Tudor made big yards to get his side down the pitch, Pedr Jones was taking 3 tacklers with him when he got ball in hand and RGC pushed for the BP try.
That try arrived, and it was from a push when the maul got going and 10 players got it moving with Rhodri King coming up with the ball. Conversion again from McBryde.
It was rinse and repeat as the Ravens closed the gap when Yardley claimed his 2nd try, as his side powered over with Burnell adding the extras.
Pressure, penalties and territory were all going against RGC as they were camped in their own 22. Bridgend opted for the lineout and driving maul time and time again and it ended with a penalty try.
RGC found themselves down to 13 players when Celt Ffransis-Roberts and Ilan Evans were shown yellow cards and the momentum shifted to Bridgend as the sensed the opportunity to claim the lead was on.
It was backs to the wall rugby, as Bridgend again went to their forwards to attack and RGC did everything to keep them out. Bodies, hands and spirit were all tested to the max, with RGC knowing any ill-discipline would be costly.
Both sides were competing hard at the breakdown but RGC were managing to make sure the game was being played in the middle of the field, knowing the scoreboard was just in their favour.
The clock ran down, the Bridgend attacks lost their punch and the points were RGC’s.
Director of Rugby Josh Leach “I am chuffed for the boys, getting the first win on the road this season – and they dug deep for it. We wanted to end this block with a good result, especially after 3 games away. Last week we had the energy against Llandovery and we today it was building on that. If with a sticky pitch and greasy ball we started the game with pace, attacked well and were rewarded with the scores.
With them getting the score right after halftime and knowing they had a decent bench to bring on, we knew it was going to be a tough half. The score gave them the lift, and then we had to play with 13 men after the yellows. That 10 minutes we dug deep, showed composure and managed the referee which enables us to close the game out and get that win”
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