RGC Claim the Chester win
Chester 21 RGC 29
Saturday 15th August 2026
RGC broke the whitewash 5 times and were made to work in defence, as they came away with the win in a well contested cross border fixture - especially in a 2nd half where they were clinical when chances were created.
As far as opening pre-season games go, RGC came out the blocks with real intent. Fast around the breakdown, looking to move the ball with pace.
They were rewarded with a try, after Jac Williams collected a cross field kick and set new signing Ieuan Cornelius away on the left to race down the pitch to score.
The Gogs had plenty of possession and were getting into the homesides 22, but a couple of knock ons let Chester off the hook.
Chester did go close when winger Vare kicked ahead but the ball bounced out on the full.
Try number 2 arrived when Jac Williams got his hands on a loose ball and took full advantage of the space to sprint the line to touchdown. McBryde added the extras.
Chester got back in the game and a couple of tries in quick succession gave them the lead, with the boot of former Gog Sam Rogers adding a conversion and a 14-12 lead.
With the halftime break on the horizon, RGC went in with a 3rd try when Gruff Llwyd read the pass and intercepted to get the score and give his side a 14-17 lead.
RGC were under the cosh at the start of the 2nd half, with Chester punching some holes in the Gogs defence. The North Walians dug deep, finding a tackle at the key time to keep Chester out.
Former RGC players Tommy Ellis and Morgan Bagshaw were looking set up the backline, with the play all in the Gogs half, searching for that space.
Penalty count was building, and Chester continued to push for the attacking lineout, backing themselves to get the try. RGC had the answers and after 18 minutes of pressure cleared to the Chester half with a penalty. At that point you could feel the frustration from the home support, knowing at the next score on the board would be crucial for the narrative of the game.
It was clinical from the Gogs, as three first entry to the 22 in the half, and they come away with the score. Cross field kick again caused panic and Gruff Llwyd got the ball to dive over.
Pressure was back on the RGC defence, penalties increasing and Huw Davies was shown a yellow on 70 minutes.
That man advantage wasn’t replicated on the scoreboard, as RGC again scored. This time Daf Thirsk hit a great line to take the ball and run over. McBryde added the conversion and the 15 point lead.
The difference of the 2nd half was that RGC made every visit to the Chester 22 count, and took the game away from the home side.
That said, it was Chester who had the final score when they shifted the ball through hands, and with that man advantage had numbers on the wing and went in at the corner. The boot of Rogers hit the conversion.
Chester did push for another, with RGC continuing to work hard in defence even when the clock reached the 80 minutes. A final turnover and the game was RGC’s as they headed back across the A55 with the win.
Winger Sam Jones “It was good to get back on the pitch after a long pre-season, and to get the win. We have plenty to work in the next 2 weeks, as we were rusty at times.
It is always good to see the younger players making senior debut, and we can focus and build to Coventry at home in 2 weeks time”
RGC will face Coventry at home on Saturday 29th August. 3.30pm kick-off.