Clinical in the win
RGC 39 – Aberavon 12
Saturday 21st March 2025
SRC Round 15
Defensively strong, disciplined and clinical in attack – it was the ideal combination for RGC in a bonus-point win at Stadiwm Eiras.
The visitors opened the game with possession and territory, testing RGC early. An attacking lineout got them close to the line, but the Gogs came away with a penalty and cleared.
The first time RGC had ball in hand, Dion Jones broke the line and set up Caio Parry, but Aberavon managed to force into touch.
It was a tight contest, with both sides searching for gaps in defence.
A couple of penalties went in the visitors’ favour, as RGC were pinged at the breakdown, giving Aberavon opportunities to build attacking platforms from lineouts.
The Wizards opened the score when the ball was shifted left for Keilen Cullen to go over.
A minute later, RGC hit back with a try – sheer pace and a straight line saw Sam Jones go over. McBryde converted.
Almost immediately, Aberavon responded, and Scott Delnevo put his side back in front. Conversion by Cullen.
RGC returned to attack and were awarded a kickable penalty, which McBryde slotted.
Both sides traded penalties at the breakdown – to the delight or frustration, depending on which badge you wore.
RGC’s intensity and accuracy came in bursts during the opening 40 minutes, but not enough to build sustained pressure and attack.
Delwyn Jones collected a high ball in his own half and broke forward, with RGC winning a penalty soon after, and once again the boot of McBryde was on target.
A big scrum followed, and the Gogs won the penalty, giving the crowd a chance to cheer as halftime approached.
In a game that needed something special to open up the game, Dion Jones created with a moment of of magic at the start of the 2nd half, with a “catflap” pass to set up Sam Jones for his second, sprinting in down the line. McBryde converted.
RGC pushed for the next score to take control, but Aberavon had a spell of possession and looked dangerous from attacking lineouts. However, RGC’s defence held firm. Sam Williams and Dafydd Thirsk were making things difficult for the visitors.
The Gogs absorbed five minutes of pressure before striking back. Quick ball found Delwyn Jones, who looked to release Caio Parry.
Connor Dever then picked and went before nudging a kick through to Parry, but the bounce evaded the winger Parry.
Those moments took the wind out of the visitors, who had tried everything to get over the whitewash, but found themselves back defending in their own half.
On the other hand, RGC kept the scores ticking over when Dever went for a tap and go before Harper Chamberlain powered over the whitewash. Again, McBryde added the conversion.
The visitors continued to press, and took a visit to the RGC line but came away empty-handed.
The RGC pack dominated, winning another scrum penalty as they continued to control proceedings.
The Wizards kept asking questions, but RGC had all the answers, especially in defence out wide.
When RGC attacked, they were direct and dangerous, with Caio Parry making strong runs down the wing and causing panic.
The Gogs got close to the line, RGC were clinical again when Louis Williams grabbed the bonus point try.
Even at the end of the game, they maintained that cutting edge in the red zone, moving the ball well for Delwyn Jones to score another.
McBryde’s final conversion brought the game to a close.
Connor Dever “We’re starting to make Stadiwm Eirias into a fortress and turning it into a difficult place for teams to come. With the support behind us, we’re moving in the right direction at a crucial stage of the season.
Now it’s about backing it up next week at home to Carmarthen and carrying that momentum into the remaining games. We shouldn’t fear anyone — with the playoffs on the horizon, it’s all about hitting form at the right time.”
RGC v Carmarthen, Saturday 28th March at Stadiwm Eirias.
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