Fixture

Match report by Mike Allen

It was another week of team changes, Risca who were suffering from an array of injuries welcomed new players, Nathan Williams and Tom James to centre and wing respectively, with David Ford coming in at No 8.

Straight from the kick-off Blaenavon dominated up front and the experienced Gareth Betts pushed Risca back at every opportunity. After fifteen minutes Risca were penalised at the scrum and Blaenavon took the three points, two minutes later Risca replied with a great try which started with turn-over ball in mid-field, Dai Ford and Meredith combining to put Rhys James away on a great run to carve his way through Blaenavon's defence to put the supporting Dai Ford in under the posts, Biddiscombe converting the extra's.

Blaenavon bounced straight back dominating scrum after scrum to win a penalty try which was converted.

With five minutes to half-time Risca introduced Ryan Anderson up front, This immediately steadied the ship, and a bulldozing run by Anderson put Blaenavon under pressure, Tom Crandon and Gareth Smith took the play to with-in five mitres and it was Risca to turn the screw with three consecutive scrums to get the penalty try, converted by Biddy putting the half-time score at 14 points to 10 points to Risca.

After the break, end to end play saw both defences tested. Thirteen minutes into the second half saw Risca gain great line-out possession through Gareth Smith and the ball going through the hands of Meredith, Biddy saw new wing Tom James go in under the posts, Biddy taking the conversion.

With Risca reduced to thirteen men (Two players in the bin) Blaenavon scored a good try (Not converted).

But Risca's defence held firm with some excellent tackling for a well deserved victory.

On the down side Risca's young hooker Louis Tovey suffered a serious injury with his jaw broken in two places.