Weakened RGC are beaten by Newport

NEWPORT ........................ 41 RGC 1404 .......................... 17

A WEAKENED RGC 1404 side missed the chance to move into third spot as they were well-beaten at Newport in the Principality Premiership.

The North Walian outfit were already guaranteed a top-eight finish before kick off and they used the game to rest some of their key men, with Tiaan Loots and Jacob Botica both named on the bench.

Despite the changes, they made the perfect start as Tom Hughes crashed over in the corner in just the second minute, with Danny Cross adding the extras.

But the hosts responded well and levelled the score seconds later when Rhys Jenkins evaded a challenge to touch down and Arwel Robson booted the conversion. The try inspired Newport as they unleashed attack after attack but RGC managed to keep them out until Huw Worthington and Phil John were both sent to the sin-bin within minutes of each other.

Down to 13 men, RGC were unable to stop Newport adding a further five points – albeit a penalty try awarded by referee Rob Price. Robson converted to put the hosts seven points clear.

Cross cut the deficit with a welltaken penalty before Llywarch ap Myrddin finished off a fine team move to touch down. Robson again kicked the conversion.

Hughes kept RGC in sight with his second try late in the first half but Robson kicked Newport further ahead with a penalty with the last kick of the first period.

Both sides seemed to cancel each other out in the second as they battled hard to gain control of the match but Newport managed to edge further ahead through the boot of Robson.

The Black and Ambers capped a superb performance with two late tries. Dan Partridge crashed over to claim a winning bonus point before Dan Mock added gloss the scoreline. Matt O’Brien converted both. Newport: Tries: R Jenkins, penalty try, L ap Myrddin, D Partridge, D Mock; Cons: A Robson (3), M O’Brien (2); Pens: A Robson (2). RGC 1404: Tries: T Hughes (2); Cons: D Cross (2); Pen: D Cross.