Second half fight back not enough at Parc Eirias

RGC 43-21 Llanelli

Llanelli went ‘awol’ during the second quarter of this game. They paid a massive price during that period, falling off tackles and allowing their opponents to dominate them. RGC punished the visitors with a blistering spell of five unanswered tries in under 20 minutes to effectively put the game to bed. At 33-0 at the half Llanelli really had to come out and show what they could do. In the end, the gap was just too great and can count themselves unlucky not to take a losing bonus point. Last play of the game under their opponents posts, threw a forward pass, game over.

The first quarter belonged to the visitors , winning a couple of penalties to set up good field position but unable to make the most of their opportunities. They also lost key lineouts deep in their opponents red zone which seemed to spur on RGC and their local supporters.

Then came the spell that won the game for the home side. Loose ball was pounced on and Harri Evans pounced for the opening try, Billy McBryde added the extras. Danny Cross barged his way through the visitors defence to set up Afon Bagshaw for the second try, McBryde again successsful with the conversion. Almost from the restart, Rhys Tudor added the third try following some poor tackling, McBryde adding the extras. Their bonus point try soon followed when centre Tom Hughes was on hand to finish the threequarter move, he then added his second just before the half. A shell shocked Llanelli left the field with much to think about. HT RGC 33-0 Llanelli

The home side stretched their lead with a somewhat fortuitous kick chase try by Danny Cross. Llanelli then started to claw their way back. Skipper Nathan Hart and replacement scrum half Ifan Beynon-Thomas crossed for tries, both converted by Ioan Hughes. But any thought of a comeback was lost when the home side replacement Rhodri King added their seventh try. To their credit Llanelli kept pounding away and were rewarded with their third try, a second for Hart. They continued to press for that fourth try but lack of composure cost them.

So, much to think about and put right going into the remainder of the season.