RGC head coach Matt Silva could not hide his disappointment after his side fell to a 40-24 Specsavers Cup home defeat to current holders Cardiff.

The Gogs’ were second best during a hugely entertaining affair at Stadiwm Zip World in Colwyn Bay, with Silva stating his side “gifted scores” that proved crucial in their eventual downfall.

The summer appointment will be hoping his side can pick themselves up for their next challenge, which sees them welcome Llandovery in the Indigo Group Premiership on Saturday (2.30pm).

Speaking to the RGC website, Silva said: “We were disappointing for 65 minutes. We gifted them some scores and didn’t make them work hard for the win.

“They were clinical and punished all our mistakes and we lacked energy both in attack and defence. “Good times take full advantage when you are not performing, and that was the case for most of the game.”

“We knew it was a tough month for us, and this season every game is a challenge, it is relentless.

“We have Llandovery away next week, so we need to put in a performance. Unlike previous seasons there are no gimmies, wins will only come by working hard.”

The away side wasted no time in making an impact and went over on seven minutes for a try by Barney Nightingale, and things went from bad to worse soon after when Morgan Allen capitalised on a turnover to touch down. Gareth Thompson added both conversions.

Credit to the hosts, they responded well to the setback and got themselves back on level terms with two scores in quick succession through Will Bryan and Afon Bagshaw, with Billy McBryde firing over the extras.

This momentum quickly shifted once again in the visitors’ favour as Leroy Garcia and Jack Brooks both crossed the white wash, but they were reduced to 14 soon after and the Gogs’ took full advantage when scrum-half Efan Jones teed up Rhys Tudor for an easy score.

The tempo noticeably slowed after the interval following a frantic first period, with Thompson despatching two crucial penalties to give his side a commanding cushion.

Robin Williams did manage to dot over late on for the home side, but this was matched by Nightingale’s second of the afternoon immediately following the restart.