ABERAVON made light work of a host of injuries to give RGC 1404 a major fright at a rain-soaked Parc Eirias, where they led 24-23 moving into the final quarter.
Last season's Premiership runners-up refused to roll over and it took three quick-fire penalties in the final 15 minutes from New Zealand outside half Jacob Botica to help the Gogs defeat the Wizards and claim a 32-24 victory.
It puts them into second place in the West Conference. The Wizards made the brighter start in North Wales and went ahead with a penalty try following a thumping, full-bodied drive. But that would prove to be their only points of the half as the hosts came marching back, ignited by three Botica penalties and tries from Dan Owen and Andrew Williams.
But Aberavon fought back to go ahead after the half-time break. No.8 Ben Thomas dived over in the corner with outside-half Steffen Williams adding the extras. The outside-half then kicked three-points and closed the deficit to sixpoints.
Chris Banfield's try, followed by Williams' conversion, put the Wizards ahead by one with 15 minutes left on the clock. But Botica's penalty hattrick at the end made it a third win on the bounce for the WRU National Cup holders.
Star man
Jacob Botica – RGC 1404
