Fixture

Match report by Clive James

Risca played their last League fixture of the season when they entertained Nelson at the Stores Field.Matthew McGovern and Anthony Symonds came in on permit from Newbridge while the rest of the team was the same that went down to defeat at Ynysybwl on the week-end.

Within the first two minutes Biddy had put Risca in front with a penalty from the 22 after an infringement at the scrum.The lead was extended on fourteen minutes when centre McGovern latched onto a pass 30metres out and bulldozed his way into space before running in under the posts,Biddy added the extras.

Nelson then briefly came back into the game but Risca then re-took control with another score.After gaining a foothold inside the visitors 22 the ball was moved quickly along the backline.Tetley made a superb run which looked as if he would get to the line but he was brought down just short but Captain Rhys Meredith carried the move on and forced his way over for a converted try..

Half Time 17pts.-0.

From the start of the second half the homeside got the bonus point fourth try when Adam Tetley went over in the left hand corner after good approach play.Biddy again added the extras.

Nelson then got on the scoreboard when the centre sold two outrageous dummies before racing away to score wide out.That was to be their only points although they did have a couple of opportunities to add to it when handling errors and wrong options saw the chances squandered.

Risca then completely dominated the remainder of the half with further tries coming from wing Ryan Dallimore and 2nd.rows Geraint Roberts and Anthony Symonds.Biddy added two more conversions.

Final score 43pts.-5.

The inclusion of McGovern and Symonds was the difference in Risca's complete performance.Always being on the front foot allowed backs and forwards to express the attacking ability we know they have.

Biddy who had indicated that this season was going to be his last had a very good game closely followed by Adam Tetley whose attacking and defensive play was superb.The forwards and subs all contributed with the front row scrummaging well,2nd.rows Roberts,Bateman and Symonds doing well in the lineout and around the field,Callum Coughlin gave his usual 100% and his fellow backrow partners Bradbury and Coomer while needing more game time in their new positions did not let the side down.

Captain Rhys Meredith was immense throughout the evening with his allround play that saw Nelson struggle with his aggressive direct play and his tackling stopped many visitors attacks at source and these together with his try gave him the last Man of the Match award of the season.

The 2019/20 season will see Monmouth,Senghenydd and Newbridge coming into Division 1 which will add to the strength of competition that this League gives.