RGC 1404 were unable to extend their superb run of form as they were downed 31-23 at home by Ebbw Vale.

The Gogs’ latest Indigo Group Premiership contest at Stadiwm Zip World in Cowyn Bay ended with a hard-fought reverse despite a spirited effort, and Matt Silva’s men will be hoping for better fortune when they next take the field at Bridgend on December 7.

The home side fell behind early on to a well-worked try that was converted by Dan Haymond, but they were down to 14 men soon after when prop Morgan Davies was sent to the sin bin.

This resulted in a period of significant dominance from the hosts, which saw Academy graduate Tim Grey power over the line and Billy McBryde levelled things up with a successful conversion attempt.

A penalty immediately following the restart from Haymond put the Steel Men back in the ascendancy, but the Gogs’ took the lead for the first time when in-form back Rhys Tudor demonstrated his customary pace to cross the white wash. McBryde added the extras.

The fly-half increased the Gogs’ advantage with a well-struck penalty of his own, but Haymond answered back when he latched on to a kick to score the visitors’ second try.

McBryde closed the first half out on a positive note with a penalty to give the home side a five-point cushion at the break, and he despatched another free-kick after the interval to continue his excellent form with the boot.

A number of injury stoppages from both sides halted momentum midway through the half, and Vale grabbed the initiative with a try together with a conversion and penalty from Haymond during a critical stage of the contest.

The introduction of Will Bryan for his 100th senior appearance brought a standing ovation from the vocal home crowd, but despite positive chances for Dion Jones and Tudor in the closing stages it was not enough for RGC to salvage anything from the game.