RGC Beat Quins to set up home semi

RGC 54 Carmarthen Quins 19

Saturday 21st February

SRC Cup

RGC sealed a home semi-final in the Plate competition, running in 8 tries with their most comprehensive win of the season

Both sides looked to make an early statement in slippery conditions, with handling at a premium.

Billy McBryde pinned Quins back with a pinpoint kick to touch, and from the resulting lineout RGC went to work. Moments later, the Gogs were on the line and Pedr Jones crashed over for the opening try, with McBryde adding the conversion.

RGC held the scoreboard advantage, but Quins were handed a boost when Delwyn Jones was shown a yellow card for a late tackle.

Quins capitalised, levelling the score through a Gabe McDonald try, converted by Ifan Davies. They then edged ahead when Dylan Richards stepped inside to score, although Davies was unable to add the extras.

Despite the stop-start nature of the contest, the tries continued to flow. RGC regained the lead when Connor Dever sniped over from close range, McBryde again converting.

The Gogs then struck with real intent. Slick handling sent Dion Jones clear, opening up the pitch to run in unopposed. McBryde maintained his perfect record from the tee to stretch the lead to 21–12.

RGC weren’t finished. Delwyn Jones atoned for his earlier yellow by crossing for another try, converted by McBryde, shortly after Iestyn Richards was sent to the sin bin for Quins.

Just before the break, RGC claimed their fifth try of the half. The ball was moved smartly through the hands before Sam Williams powered over, with McBryde once again adding the extras to cap a dominant first-half display

The rain continued to fall in the second half, and so too did the tries.

RGC struck early when Delwyn Jones reacted quickest after a kick was charged down, getting his hands on the ball over the tryline. Billy McBryde once again added the conversion.

The game itself became increasingly scrappy, but with a 30-point advantage RGC were under no pressure to chase either the game or the scoreboard. Quins, by contrast, were left needing a spark to force their way back into the contest.

Up front, RGC began to assert real control, with the scrum gaining the upper hand and dominating proceedings.

Against the run of play, Quins found that spark. Jac Howells intercepted a loose pass and went coast-to-coast to score a well-taken try.

RGC responded immediately. Man of the Match Pedr Jones collected a pass at pace, shrugged off a couple of Quins defenders and powered his way over the line, with McBryde again converting.

The Gogs continued to apply pressure and soon added another. Osian Burt showed his pace out wide, burning the defence to score in the corner. McBryde’s conversion struck the posts but still added the extras.

RGC v Bridgend, Saturday 28th February at Stadiwm Eirias. 2.30pm