Assistant Coach and scrum-half Josh Leach praised his side’s “all-round performance” against their English neighbours on Friday night, despite falling to a 22-14 defeat in what was their last game before returning to SWALEC Championship action.

Leach said: “We looked dangerous in possession but we couldn’t convert the chances we created.

“It was good to see a number of players make their first appearance of the season, and all the boys are looking fit and sharp as we head into the Championship season.”

The Gogs started brightly despite heavy rain, with Alex Schwarz breaking through the home defence on his return from a long injury.

Chester took a firm grip of the game after the opening exchanges and scored a try thanks to a big forwards drive.

RGC responded through Llywarch Ap Myrddin who touched down with Rhodri Carlton-Jones converting the score.

But Chester jogged in 14-7 to the good at half time after another try from the forwards.

Chester claimed their third and final try after yet another big drive from the forwards, this time from the base of a lineout.

The Gogs responded well with Carwyn Ap Myrddin following up on his brother’s score to touch down himself, after a clean break down the wing into the corner.

Carlton-Jones nailed the conversion from the touchline.

A Chester penalty stretched their lead to eight points, and despite a relentless attack from the North Walians the Gogs failed to add any more points on the board.

Chester took home the Halliwell Jones Anglo-Welsh Trophy after the win.

Leach added: “We are happy with the all-round performance, and we found our way into the game after 25 minutes.

“I feel we played all the rugby in the second half and dominated the 40 minutes.”

RGC kick off the new season away to Blackwood on Saturday (Kick-off 2.30pm).

The Gogs beat Blackwood by comfortable margins twice last season, racking up 56 points in their away fixture.
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