RGC turned in a sensational display to come away with a 47-14 home victory over Principality Premiership rivals Bridgend Ravens.

The home side began the contest on the front foot and they took the lead on seven minutes when New Zealand fly-half Jacob Botica fired over a penalty following an infringement for offside.

This provoked a strong response from the visitors, who were camped on the Gogs’ try-line for a prolonged spell, but knocked on with an overlap in their favour which prevented them a clear try-scoring opportunity.

Gradually the hosts began to work through the phases and Tiaan Loots thought he had extended their lead when he touched down, but referee Elgan Williams deemed that the talented back had knocked on and the score was chalked off.

The same player did not waste much time in making another impact when the South African finished off an impressive team move on 29 minutes to cross the white wash, with Botica adding the extras to make it a two-score game.

Another spell of dominance from RGC brought with it further points in the form of a Botica free-kick on 34 minutes, but the Ravens managed to get on the scoresheet towards the end of the half when Gareth Harvey burst through the rearguard for a try on 36 minutes. Ryan Evans despatched the conversion.

There was still time for further drama before the break when a rolling maul resulted in Henri Williams powering over for a score, and Botica closed out the period with the extras.

After the break saw both sides cancel each other out in the opening exchanges which brought little in the way of goal-line action, but Mark Jones’ side managed to pull further clear after a scrappy spell on 61 minutes with another penalty from the flawless Botica.

Back came the visitors and they reduced the arrears on 67 minutes when Joseph Gatt produced a fine piece of individual skill to touch down, with Evans adding two more points with the conversion.

The Gogs responded well to the setback and restored their cushion immediately following the restart when scrum-half Efan Jones managed to get over the line on 72 minutes and they wrapped up the points on 80 minutes thanks to a surging run and bonus point try from Robin Williams. Botica nailed one conversion.

Dion Jones also got in on the act and put the exclamation point on proceedings with two tries in stoppage time to round off another outstanding display from the Gogs.

RGC 47 – 14 Bridgend Ravens

RGC: Tries: T Loots (’29), H Williams (40’), E Jones (72’), R Williams (80’), D Jones (80’, 80’). Conversions: J Botica (29’, 40’, 80’, 80’). Penalties: J Botica (‘7, 34’, 61’).

Bridgend Ravens: Tries: G Harvey (36’), J Gatt (67’) Conversion: R Evans (36’, 67’).