RGC geared up for their final home game of the Principality Premiership season with a 20-13 loss to title favourites Merthyr at Stadiwm Zip World.

The Gogs had nothing to show for their efforts despite a spirited display against a powerful unit, and Mark Jones’ men will be hoping for better fortunes against the Black and Ambers, who have former RGC Academy star Adam Sabri in their squad.

The home side suffered a blow after just three minutes when influential back Tom Hughes was forced off through injury, and they fell behind shortly after courtesy of a Matt Jarvis penalty.

Things got even better for the visitors following the restart when a huge drive resulted in Nathan Trevett touching down, with Jarvis adding the extras.

This provoked a strong response from the Gogs, who got themselves back into the game on 21 minutes when Afon Bagshaw intercepted a potentially try-scoring pass before demonstrating his incredible pace to go over. Jacob Botica was successful with the conversion attempt.

The New Zealand fly-half levelled the scores with a penalty of his own after 29 minutes, but RGC’s ill-discipline cost them again at the end of the half when Will Bryan was shown a yellow card and the Ironmen took full advantage with a score from Rhys Williams that was converted by Jarvis.

After the break saw both sides cancel each other out for the majority of the second period, with the hosts finding it difficult to penetrate the visiting rearguard despite some impressive approach play from Tiaan Loots, full-back Dion Jones and Bagshaw.

Botica hit another penalty on 42 minutes following a prolonged period of pressure, but his assured boot failed with a crucial attempt to put the Gogs’ ahead when his free-kick effort rattled the post.

The impressive Jarvis notched the only other points of the half with another penalty, which condemned RGC to their first home loss of the season.