Fixture

Match report by Clive James:

Risca Rugby clubs week ended better than it had begun after Sunday's break-in by two intruders left the club badly damaged. The team got back to winning ways in the league defeating the visitors Blaenavon 24pts.-11.

Ryan Dallimore came in at full back in place of the injured James Dowle,Ian Broughton made his debut on the wing with Andrew Fraser occupying the other wing position,Callum Coughlin returned from injury at no.8 and Todd James was on permit from Crosskeys.On the bench saw the welcome return to Risca colours of favourite Wayne Whitehead.

A two minute silence was observed before kick off in honour of the fallen of both World wars.

Within three minutes Risca had taken the lead when Ben Murphy put over a penalty after Blaenavon had infringed.The visitors then got back on level terms when after a mis-kick to touch was fielded by the scrum half who made a break up to the 22metre area and from the breakdown Risca were penalised and the no.10 put over the kick.

From the re-start Biddy made up for his previous missed kick to touch when he put in a clever kick over the top of the defenders.The full back knocked the ball forward and wing Andrew Fraser gathered on the run and touched down near the posts for Murphy to add the extras.Another penalty from Murphy extended the lead to 13pts.-3.

Then on 25minutes Risca extended the lead further when after a glorious passage of play flanker Sully went over wide out for an unconverted try.

Blaenavon then began to exert pressure for the first time in the game and reverted to what they do best by playing through the forwards.After gaining a foothold inside the Risca 22metre area a driving maul saw them get over the line for an unconverted try.

Half time 18pts.-8.

The second half became a war of attrition with the conditions dictating the play.Blaenavon got an early penalty and then proceeded to dominate for long periods without being able to break down the stubborn home defence.Two more penalties were conceded by the visitors and Murphy and Biddy put them between the posts to secure the win.

This was a much needed victory and  down to a team effort.The back row were outstanding,both 2nd.rows put in a good shift and the front row got through a huge amount of work in the tight and loose.Behind the scrum Ryan Dallimore put in some big tackles and Ben Murphy playing at centre again showed his huge potential.

The Man of the Match though has to be a player who refused to be brought off when seemingly struggling,what a performance from Geraint Rowlands.

The Youth were at Croesycieliog and lost 20-0.

Next league fixture 24th.Nov.at Caerleon.