RGC performance manager Josh Leach has been reflecting on another impressive season for the club.
The player-turned-coach was thrust into the spotlight when Matt Silva was forced to take a leave of absence due to personal reasons during the campaign, and the coaching staff did a superb job of galvanising the squad before the Welsh Rugby Union cancelled the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Leach, who came through the Gogs’ Academy to become one of their longest-serving players, was full of praise for the way his team dug in during a season where little was expected.
Speaking to the RGC website, Leach said: “With the departure of Mark Jones and Phil John at the end of the 2018/19 season, we saw the end of a consistent and successful coaching partnership and we knew that the season was always going to present a period of transition for RGC.
“Although we haven’t had the opportunity to reflect on the season together, there is plenty that we never got to celebrate.
“The team finished top of the Premiership points scoring and try-scoring tables, with 409 points and 53 tries. Billy McBryde had a great season finishing top of the Premiership individual points scoring table with 163 points, including 6 tries in a run of 50 straight appearances.
“Afon Bagshaw and Rhys Tudor tied second in the leagues try scoring table, with 7 each, Tom Hughes and Harri Evans both in the mix too.
“Whilst those boys stole the glory, players such as Jordan Scott (Supporters Club Player of the Year), George Roberts, Joe Simpson, Bryn Jones, Robin Williams, Andrew Williams, and Jordan Jones, racked up some serious minutes and put in a huge amount of graft throughout the year.”
Leach added what was most pleasing for him was the development of current Academy players into the senior environment. This has been the catalyst behind RGC’s incredible success since their inception and the future looks increasingly bright with their current crop of graduates.
“Personally for me, one of the most exciting reflections is seeing the depth we are starting to build through youngsters such as Pedr Jones, Sam Williams, Oscar Lennon, Rhodri King, Sam Earl Jones, Matt Buchanan, and Oscar Crowe to name a few,” added Leach.
“Some have featured for RGC more than others, but many have been learning valuable lessons playing for their home clubs in the North Wales League and will no doubt play a big part in the future of the club.”
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