RGC 43

LLANELLI 21

A BRILLIANT first half display set RGC on their way to a winning weekend.

The Gogs made a welcome return to winning ways courtesy of a 43-21 scoreline at home to Llanelli.

RGC put in a barnstorming opening 40 minutes.

They ran in no fewer than five tries to take a thumping 33-0 lead into the interval.

Although their victory hopes had disappeared, Llanelli hit back in the second period and they were able to respond with a trio of tries of their own.

However, scores from Harri Evans and Rhodri King would complete RGC's 43-21 triumph.

Harri Evans (2), Tom Hughes (2), Rhys Tudor, Afon Bagshaw and Rhodri King grabbed the RGC tries.

Billy McBryde added four conversions into the mix.

Seven days earlier and RGC lost out 27-12 during their trip to Pontypridd.

Striving for a top-six position in the Premiership, this was a third defeat in a row for the Gogs.

Most of the opening 40 minutes was played in the RGC half, with Pontypridd having all the possession.

RGC kept the home side at bay for half-an-hour before Corey Sheppard went over for the opening try, with Diggy Bird converting.

Pontypridd increased the lead when Mason Grady ran through some weak tackles to touch down under the posts. Bird couldn’t miss with the extras.

There was some RGC joy as half-time approached, with Tom Hughes scoring in the corner and Billy McBryde added the conversion.

However, on the half-time whistle, the boot of Bird extended his side's lead to 10 points with a penalty.

The second half was not much better from RGC.

Tom Hughes tried to lead by example with his work rate, but it wasn’t matched by all of the players.

Pontypridd were able to play the game in the RGC half, and Diggy Bird got the first points of the second half with a penalty.

Harri Evans and Tim Grey made a couple of line breaks to try and spark a comeback, and Afon Bagshaw grabbed a try in the 74th minute, which gave the supporters something to cheer about.

Pontypridd ramped up the pressure on the RGC pack at the restart and they grabbed an advantage when Tim Grey was given a yellow card.

With the extra man the were able to grab late try from captain Darren Lockyer and Wilkens added the conversion to end an afternoon to forget for RGC.