RGC 14 : 18 PONTYPRIDD RFC – MATCH REPORT

With storm Hannah out in force, playing conditions were set to be difficult for both teams.

From the kick off it was clear to see the weather conditions were going to be the main winner in this game causing unforced errors tenfold.

RGC are the first team on the scoreboard which sees Nick Butterworth cross the line for the home team within the first 8 minutes which was swiftly converted putting the home team in the lead 7-0.

Off side by RGC sees Sweeney kick for a Ponty lineout with continuous errors by RGC Ponty advance by kicking to touch for three continuous lineouts with the last of which seeing a strong drive to the line only for Rob Jones to carry the ball over for the first Ponty try which was converted by Ceri Sweeney equaling the scoreboard at 16 minutes.

From the restart Ponty are on the move again towards the line only for a driving maul to be brought down by RGC awarding Ponty another penalty where Sweeney again opts for the corner.  With good passing play from the away team a pass wide by Alex Knott sees Alex Webber take the ball over in the corner putting Ponty in front after 21 minutes 7 – 12.

RGC penalised once again for bringing the scrum down after conceding a penalty to Ponty from the restart for offside.  Sweeney’s kick to touch sees  a Ponty lineout just inside their own half only for an overthow from the lineout to land in the hands of RGC.  A huge hit by Corey Domachowski following the turnover ball results in a knock-on by RGC and a scrum awarded to Ponty.

A breakaway ball by RGC following the turnover ball from the scrum sees last man Ben Jones make a try saving tackle taking the man into touch for a Ponty lineout.

As play progresses another turnover ball to Ponty following RGC’s lineout sees Joes Raikes kick the ball clear to move play away from Ponty’s line.  RGC advance once again on the Ponty try line only for the ball to be held up and no try awarded, taking it back to the penalty advantage that was being played.

A superb play by RGC sees No. 15 Afon Bagshaw cross the line for a try which is swiftly converted for the home team.

With the weather only getting worse another unforced errors by RGC sees the ball knocked on and Ponty scrum.  A few minutes later another penalty is awarded to Ponty which sees Ceri Sweeney kick for goal and miss.

Half Time – RGC 14 : 12 PONTYPRIDD

Second half sees a knock on by Ponty awarding a scrum to RGC inside Ponty’s half.  A fantastic strong scrum by Ponty sees it turned by RGC and a penalty awarded to Ponty.  Another penalty awarded to Ponty a few minutes later for an RGC player coming in from the side and taking a Ponty player out off the ball.  With Ponty now looking strong following a driving ball from the lineout with several continuous forward plays being stopped for a yellow card to RGC’s No. 7 Will Bryan.

Ponty kick for the corner and once again drive for the line only to concede a penalty just short.  Full on the defensive again Ponty are awarded the penalty for RGC collapsing the scrum which is expertly kicked by the ever dependable Ceri Sweeney taking the score 14 – 15.  Another driving ball from Ponty once again sees the visitors fall short of the line and the home team turn over only to result in a knock on and scrum awarded to Ponty.  Another strong scrum by Ponty sees a penalty awarded for RGC turning the scrum again kicked by Sweeney taking Ponty 4 points clear at 14 – 18.

Ponty hold their defensive line with all to fight for, which results in another knock on by RGC which puts Ponty back in the driving seat with seven minutes left on the clock.  Ponty show a display of superb passing considering the treacherous conditions with Joel Raikes kicking the ball wide for Alex Webber to chase only for RGC to push the ball dead resulting in a scrum to Ponty which was swiftly turned over by the home team.

It seems all was a too late, as the clock counts down the final minutes with not much going right for the home team.

Final score RGC 14 : 18 PONTYPRIDD making this a good day at the office for the boys!

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