Fixture

Match report by Clive James:

Usk were the visitors to the Stores Field in a Ben Francis Cup game. Ross Jeremiah made his debut on the left wing with Ben Pesci switching to scrum half and Liam Thomas moving to full back, James Meredith was at number 10.

This was a game the home side should have been expected to win even without some of the front line players but it was a woeful display gifting Usk the win by 21 points to 20 with the last kick of the match from the visitors number 10 who throughout the afternoon was a thorn in the side of Risca with his kicking game. After just 15 minutes Usk were 11 points up. A missed kick to touch was gathered by the Usk wing on the 10 yard line tight to the touch line and he got over in the corner after brushing aside some pathetic tackle attempts. Two penalties followed,one after full back Liam Thomas got caught in possession after trying to run out of defence instead of clearing down field. 

It took until right on half time before Risca got on the score board when they were awarded a penalty try after a period of pressure.

Half time 7 points-11.

Risca started the second half with a higher tempo and after twenty minutes took the lead when Liam Thomas, who had moved to scrum half,went over for a try which he also converted.  All the good work was then undone on 25 minutes when an error in mid field was punished by Usk and again woeful attempts at tackling saw them gaining the lead with a converted try.  Two penalty goals from Liam Thomas then saw Risca edge ahead with five minutes remaining.  Usk were then allowed to gain a foot hold in the homesides 22 metre area and after a failed attempt of goal after an infringment Risca gave the number 10 a second chance by infringing in the same spot and this time he put over the penalty to win the game. 

Other than good displays during the season aganist Abertllery,Ynysybwl and Blaenavon Risca have been less than convincing and with a difficult run in to the end of the season could see them finishing 9th in the table instead of in the top 5.  Division 1 status  again next season is assured but a lot of issues have to be addressed to maintain that status.Hopefully they will.