IT was always going to be a tough ask for RGC to make it through to the final of the Premiership Cup.

The North Walians came up against Premiership leaders Cardiff in their last-four clash in Merthyr.

RGCs cup run ended with an eight-try 52-15 defeat against the side from the capital, who took all the opportunities available.

Both sides were looking to test each other early on through kicks, before Cardiff took the lead with a powerful drive which took Efan Daniel over the line.

RGC responded by putting some positive phases together, but the story of the half was that they couldn’t take advantage and errors cost them.

Around the breakdown, the Gogs were being punished which gave Cardiff the chance to reset with the penalty and the boot of Dan Fish to clear for territory.

Cardiff took advantage and Alex Mann was next to cross the whitewash with Fish adding the extras.

RGC did respond with a penalty in the 24th minute from Dion Jones, and minutes later he pulled another penalty wide.

Frustratingly, RGC’s lineout misfired on a couple of crucial occasions. Five metres from the Cardiff line, and with the chance of an attacking maul, the ball found a Cardiff hand.

The fact RGC couldn’t get points when they were in good positions would prove costly.

Try number three came after RGC worked some phases and shifted the ball wide, but Dewi Cross intercepted to run down the pitch to score under the posts. Fish added the extras.

The Gogs will look back on the fact they got into good areas and had possession, but failed to put any points on the board.

If it was frustrating in the first 40 minutes, it didn’t get any better in the second half.

Dewi Cross grabbed his second score, converted by Fish, before Aaron Pinchers ran in for an easy try and the boot of Fish made it 33-3.

One of the few highlights was a neat break by Dion Jones, with Efan Jones in support to set up Dan Owen for the try. Dion Jones added the conversion.

Tries by Alun Rees and Pinches saw Cardiff move further clear, however RGC did manage another score when Pedr Jones dabbed down before Dion Jones hit the conversion.

Cardiff had the final word with their eighth try through Goodchild.