RGC were left counting the cost of a poor start as they fell to a narrow 15-7 loss at Aberavon.

The Gogs were unable to secure their third Principality Premiership victory of the season after falling behind early on, and Mark Jones’ men will look to bounce back on home soil against Cross Keys on Saturday in front of the S4C Sport cameras (5.15pm).

Both sides enjoyed good spells of possession in the opening exchanges but neither turned this into any points until Joe Tomalin Reeves penetrated the visiting defence to go over for the first try of the contest on 21 minutes. Chris Banfield was successful with the conversion attempt.

Neither side were able to affect the scoreboard for the remainder of the first period in what was becoming a war of attrition between both sets of forwards, but the hosts came out after the interval in imposing fashion which resulted in Rowan Jenkins crossing the white wash with 42 on the clock. Banfield missed the extras.

A stunning series of tackles from the Gogs prevented the home side from adding to their tally soon after, but they did pull further clear after 55 minutes when Banfield’s well-struck penalty sailed through the upright.

Credit to the away side, they kept battling away and ensured a nervy end to proceedings on 78 minutes when Karl Martin demonstrated some fancy footwork on the wing to touch down. Billy McBryde slotted the conversion to make it an eight-point game in the closing stages.

Despite their best efforts, the visitors were unable to find another score as Aber remained resolute in the face of some sustained pressure that saw Tom Hughes and Martin come within inches of the try line.

The result leaves Jones’ men sitting in seventh position in the standings and ten points off the top three.