RGC crashed out of the WRU National Cup with a shock 16-14 loss at Ebbw Vale.

The Gogs’ defence of their crown fell at the first hurdle after being undone by a late rally from the home side, and Mark Jones’ side will look to put this setback behind them as they return to Principality Premiership action at Llandovery on Saturday (2.30pm).

After a bright start from the visitors brought no points, Vale managed to get themselves ahead when winger Toby Fricker latched on to a long kick to touch down. Dorian Jones added the extras.

Winger Stefan Thomas almost increased their advantage, but his run was thwarted at the line soon after, while at the other end Afon Bagshaw failed to collect a pass from Tom Hughes which would have led to an easy score.

The away side did get on level terms shortly before the break when a powerful drive from the pack saw Andrew Williams cross the white wash, with Jacob Botica despatching the conversion, and things got even better for the Gogs moments later when another surge led to Jordan Scott touching down. Botica once again nailed the extras to close out the period.

After the interval saw the hosts respond well and they clawed back the deficit thanks to a pair of penalties in quick succession from the flawless Jones, as the tie became a battle of the forwards in what were difficult conditions throughout.

The boot of Jones was proving to be a thorn in the visitors’ side, and he had the final say late on when another penalty was awarded following a scrum infringement which he duly fired between the posts to oust Jones’ men from the competition they famously won at the Principality Stadium last season.