RGC 14 Pontypridd 18
Saturday 27th April
Pontypridd came from behind after the break to beat RGC in difficult conditions at Stadiwm Zip World.
The visitors looked after the ball better in the 2nd half, and made sure the game was played in the RGC half. Ultimately it was the team that made the least errors that claimed the victory.
The wind and rain tested both sides, and handling errors were racking up for both sides.
It was RGC that opened the scoring with a try from Nick Butterworth, with Billy McBryde adding the extras.
Butterworth looked lively in the opening quarter, with some good breaks down the field.
Ponty answered back with a try from a driving maul, and Ceri Sweeney levelled to score with the conversion.
The visitors were on the up, and the score went the same way when Webber crossed the whitewash for another try.
Sam Jones made a break down the line after been set up by Butterworth but he was taken into touch.
Iolo Evans was next to attack, after taking the pass on a good line as he went close to the line.
As the game approached halftime RGC were having the better of the play, and they were rewarded after Afon Bagshaw collected a loose ball and skipped a tackle to create some space and scored. McBryde nudged the conversion between to posts to give RGC a 14-12 lead.
Looking back RGC perhaps should have applied some more pressure in that good spell of rugby, but errors and discipline let them down.
The 2nd half was mostly played in the RGC half, and Pontypridd managed the conditions better. The Gogs were being pinned back and the exit ball was not gaining them much yards.
Added to the fact the handling errors, and loose passes then RGC were up against it.
Ponty’s forwards were also winning the arm wrestle at the scrum and the penalty count was going in their favour.
The boot of Sweeney added 2 penalties when RGC were down to 14 men, after Will Bryan was yellow carded. RGC were unable to breach the Ponty half, and put any score in the 2nd half.
Dicomidis and Domachowski were impressing with some good carries, and making some good yards.
Conditions didn’t improve and the hopes of a win were being washed away in the monsoon weather, as Ponty kept the ball and continued to manage the ball better.