RGC’s first game of the new year saw them beaten 35-29 at home by Llandovery at Stadiwm Zip World in Colwyn Bay.

The Gogs’ managed to pick up a bonus point despite the reverse, which came in no small part due to their failure to defend the driving maul against a formidable visiting pack.

With head coach Matt Silva still missing from the set-up, RGC will look to avoid a third straight Indigo Group Premiership reverse this Saturday when they make a tricky-looking trip to Pontypridd.

The visitors drew first blood when a powerful surge from their forwards saw Dafydd Hughes cross the try-line for a score that was converted by Jack Maynard, but the home side managed to get themselves on the score-sheet midway through the half thanks to a sensational solo score from Afon Bagshaw on 24 minutes. Billy McBryde added the extras.

This joy did not last long as Richie Williams went over in the corner for the away side shortly after the restart, with Maynard’s conversion once again sailing through the upright, but Bagshaw’s electric ability was evident with his second solo score of the afternoon to reduce the arrears.

After the break saw the tempo halted on numerous occasions due to a series of injuries, with RGC taking the lead for the first time thanks to a well-worked try from Andrew Williams only to have their chances fade thanks to a yellow card issued to Bryn Jones.

The Drovers capitalised on their numerical advantage quickly through a Stuart Morrell score, with Maynard adding the extras, but the home side hit back yet again when Harri Evans touched down after good work by Jordan Scott.

A crucial spell midway through the half saw the visitors all-but secure their triumph thanks to quick-fire tries from Osian Davies and Gavin Thomas, and Maynard rounded off an exceptional kicking display with two more conversions which proved to be the difference between the two sides.

McBryde gave the Gogs’ a glimmer of hope late on with his side’s fifth try of the game which he also converted, but it was not enough to salvage a fightback.