EBBW VALE failed to come away from North Wales with a win as they were defeated by WRU National Cup finalists RGC.

The Gogs started the game on the front foot and had the chance to take an early lead, but New Zealand fly-half Jacob Botica fired his free-kick wide of the uprights.

The first try arrived on 11 minutes thanks to Tim Grey, who finished off a fine team move involving Afon Bagshaw and Evan Yardley to touch down. Botica missed the extras.

Gradually the visitors began to get into the game and they reduced the arrears on 14 minutes courtesy of a penalty from Rhys Jones.

This provoked a strong response from the home side, who crossed the white wash for the second time in the contest when Afon Bagshaw produced a sensational individual run on 16 minutes.

Jones kept the game competitive with another penalty on 18 minutes, while penalties were exchanged between Botica and Jones in a scrappy period of play to end the half.

The away side came out of the blocks flying after the break and they took the lead on 41 minutes when substitute Will Talbot-Davies went over after good work from Ashley Sweet. Jones added the extras.

On 46 minutes the scores were when Botica smashed a kick over from 45 metres out after a period of sustained pressure, but Vale hit back almost immediately thanks to a brilliant run and finish from Joe Franchi, which the flawless Jones converted.

Botica fired over a pair of penalties on 50 and 59 minutes to pull the hosts back to within one, and they went ahead in thrilling style on 62 when Yardley burst over after a brilliant hand off from Sam Jones.

The rampant Gogs scored again when Rhys Williams latched on to a kick from Bagshaw to touch down on 63 minutes, with Botica adding his first conversion of the day.

Vale began to pile pressure on the Parc Eirias outfit and they ensured a nervy ending when Nathan Preece scored despite a huge hit from Rhys Williams on 68 minutes.

However, RGC repelled the danger in the closing stages to emerge victorious from a scintillating contest.

RGC: Afon Bagshaw, Sam Jones, Tom Hughes, Tiaan Loots, Carwyn ap Myrddin (R Williams 52), Jacob Botica, Efan Jones (A Schwartz 54), Joe Simpson (P John 40), Evan Yardley (R Williams 64), Ross Davies (S Wainwright 64), Henri Williams, Andrew Williams (capt), Tim Grey (M Francis 64), Josh Leach (W Bryan 52), Huw Worthington.

Tries: T Grey (11), A Bagshaw (16), S Jones (61), R Williams (63). Penalties: Botica (35, 40, 46, 50, 59). Conversion: Botica (63)

Ebbw Vale: Dan Haymond, Srdan Majkic (W Holley 67), Nathan Preece, Dominic Franchi (M Preece 80), Chris Levesley (Will Talbot-Davies 12); Rhys Jones, Dai Jones (Rob Lewis 60); Ross Jones (Ian George 49), Joe Franchi (J Bowen 67), Gethin Robinson; Damien Hudd (capt), Ashley Sweet; Lance Randall (D Rubasniak 64), Ronny Kynes, Rhys Clarke (Rob Sevenoaks 49).

Tries: Talbot-Davies (41), Franchi (48), N Preece (69). Penalties: Jones (14, 18, 27, 35) Conversions: Jones (42, 49).

Referee: Wayne Davies (WRU).

Ebbw Vale star man: Rhys Jones.