RGC1404 33
DRAGONS A 35
A LAST-gasp penalty from the left boot of Pontypool full back Geraint O’Driscoll denied RGC1404 a winning end to their inaugural season.
Despite failing to record their fifth straight victory, the RGC set-up can be proud of a performance that not only entertained the 700-strong crowd but one that earned them respect from the travelling men of Gwent.
O’Driscoll slotted a simple penalty to open his side’s account and the Dragons’ first try came from Lewis Evans.
RGC grabbed a try when the impressive Chauncey O’Toole sent in Jack Moorhouse under the sticks with Raikes on hand to convert.
Rebels’ ambition was rewarded when a huge effort from the front eight resulted in a try for Jebb Sinclair with Raikes adding the extras.
RGC could have added another try soon after, as promising Denbigh youngster Kriss Wilkes was just unable to hold on to the final pass with the line at his mercy.
The Rebels, who lost centre Nick Blevins in the warm-up, were dealt a further blow when ever-present centre Jack Moorhouse was stretchered from the field with a dislocated and fractured ankle.
The severity of the injury forced a 15-minute break in play to allow the medics to reduce the dislocation and safely escort Moorhouse from the field and straight to hospital.
A key turning point came when the referee sent RGC prop Doug Wooldridge to the bin for foul play.
Dragons scored three tries during this 10-minute spell, from ex-Colwyn Bay player Patrick Leach, Lewis Evans and Steve Taylor.
RGC were not done yet and were back in the game when Ruthin number eight Michael Stubbs used a strong fend to cross from a five-metre scrum.
They scored again when Sean White burrowed over.
Buoyed by the vocal home support, RGC were not done there and with fewer than five minutes remaining White crossed again to give the hosts the lead.
However, RGC defence was adjudged to be offside, presenting O’Driscoll the opportunity to hand victory to the Dragons.