April 27, 2024 - 309 views
RGC 37 Pontypool 26
Saturday 27th April 2024
RGC claimed their win against Pontypool in an entertaining, high-scoring game in their final home game of the season.
The game started fast and loose, with RGC looking to move the ball quickly but it was Pooler that had the chance to open the score but Jarvis hooked a penalty wide.
It wasn’t long before the scoreboard was switched on, after RGC went close to the line the pack took over and Jordon Liney touched down.
Instantly the visitors struck back when the Gogs had a kick charged down and Will Gregory went over for the try and Jarvis converted
The Gogs were still looking to stretch the game, and when Sam Williams broke down the field, they shifted the ball and Tom Ellis ran in under the posts. Sam Earl-Jones hit the extras.
Pooler tried to get a foothold in the game, and get the driving maul moving but RGC were getting bodies into good defensive positions but in the end couldn’t keep Dylan Kelleher-Griffiths out.
The penalty count was rising against RGC and they were down to 14 men after Sam Williams was shown a yellow card.
Crucially the Gogs scrum stepped up and won a big penalty to ease the pressure, when Pooler were starting to dominate.
From that penalty RGC got the ball moving and when it popped to Louis Williams he delivered the try in the corner, and with a man down they were 5 points up.
The play ebbed and flowed with both sides having good spells with the ball and possession and the half ended with Pooler testing the Gogs but they managed to stifle the danger.
As the clock ticked down RGC ended the half with a penalty from Sam Earl-Jones to give them a 20-12 lead at the break.
The 2nd half started similarly, and RGC got the try with some liquid rugby by Dion Jones to take the ball and dart down the field before setting up Dan Owen to score. Earl Jones conversion.
A minute later Pooler were over for the try when Matthew Powell crossed in the corner before Jarvis added the extras.
Louis Williams and Rhy Tudor both made some good gain line breaks with ball in hand, raising the voices of the Stadiwm CSM crowd.
The Gogs kept the scoreboard ticking with a Sam Earl-Jones penalty.
RGC’s scrum was having the upper hand winning penalties and causing major problems for the visitors.
It was end to end, with breaks and turnovers with players making big yards.
Again the game swung and Pooler had the upper hand, and crossed the line for another try with Jarvis making the conversion with 10 minutes left.
Sam Earl-Jones had the chance to extend the Gogs lead but hit the penalty wide.
Credit to RGC who kept their composure to go through the phases and keep the ball moving into Poolers half looking to create something.
That something arrived when Player of the Match Dion Jones showed quick feet and soft hands to set up Sam Earl-Jones for the try. Dion Jones finished the game with the conversion and a home win.
Head Coach Ceri Jones was delighted his sides win “I thought we played well and we kept some good composure, kept the ball at the end and claimed the try to clinch the game. That shows some good learning and we have been on a journey this season. This group of players and the exposure they have had will stand RGC in good stead for the future.
“I thought we beat them with width, and that’s what we discussed pre-game. It wasn’t perfect especially in the 1st half were our discipline and turnovers let then into the game. They are a good team and they scored some good tries, so credit to the boys for the win today.
"We look forward to next week and the aim is to finishing the season with another win.”
