RGC 29

LLANDOVERY 35

IT proved to be a losing start to the year from the perspective of RGC.

The Gogs paid the price for not being able to defend the driving maul, with Llandovery claiming three tries from their pack in a 35-29 success.

Both sides scored five tries each, with the boot of Jack Maynard making the difference via five successful conversions.

After a positive opening couple of minutes, it was the visitors who struck the first blow with a try from Dafydd Hughes on the end of the driving maul.

RGC didn’t really get out of first gear, with a number of penalties taking the sting out of their attacks.

A few loose passes cost RGC, with Llandovery making the most of these through some good yards and causing some panic.

Credit should go to the Gogs' defence, though, who were able to nullify the attacks.

The hosts hauled themselves level in the 24th minute when Afon Bagshaw scored with a superb solo try, getting hold of Llandovery kick before running in from the halfway line to touch down.

Billy McBryde added the extras.

Llandovery responded with a try from Richard Williams minutes later and both sides were playing some fast rugby, especially on turnover ball.

Bagshaw dazzled with try number two, after he danced between players and the touchline to cross over the whitewash.

Turning to the second half and a composed spell with ball in hand led to the third RGC try from Andrew Williams.

Fly-half McBryde’s conversion fell short, but RGC were in the lead for the first time.

However, the pendulum swung in favour of the Drovers when Bryn Jones was yellow carded and the visitors capitalised with the try from another driving maul.

This time Stuart Worrall claimed it.

RGC replied with Harri Evans grabbing the bonus point score, but this was the last time RGC had their noses in front and Llandovery's next try came from Osian Davies.

Try number five from Gavin Thomas was the one to pull Llandovery away.

The final word belonged to RGC, though, as McBryde's try secured a losing bonus point.