Fixture

Match report by Clive James:

Risca's interest in this seasons Plate competition was cut short at the first round stage by Blaenavon who came to the Stores Field having lost all four of their opening league fixtures conceding 146points and having only scored 51. The performance they put in belied their position.

Ben Pesci returned after injury coming in at full back, Adam Jones also came back after his lay off and replaced Jordan Rogers at prop who was needed by Ebbw Vale. Adam Tetley returned at centre after missing last week and he was partnered by Matthew McGovern again on permit from Newport. Biddy and Taylor Dimmock were on the bench.

It all looked good in the early stages as the homeside after conceding a penalty scored two tries. Both were well constructed,  the first came from the strong running Matthew McGovern then wing Ryan Dallimore ran in from 40metres after Murphy and Pesci combined with quick hands to put Dally away. Then ill discipline and a wayward pass saw Blaenavon reduce the arrears. First the visiting no.10 put over a penalty after the infringement was questioned and the extra 10yds.nearer made it unmissable. This was followed by a wayward pass being latched onto by the no.10 who ran in from 50metres for an unconverted try.

Within three minutes Risca's lead was wiped out when the visitors no.8 burst over the line for a converted try. Risca then very nearly re-took the initiative when Matthew McGovern went on a barnstorming run from halfway which was halted right under Blaenavon's posts. From the resultant scrum the ball was moved to the right but Blaenavon snuffed out the danger and from another scrum the ball was won against the head and the visitors cleared up field.

Half Time 14pts.-15.

The start of the second half saw Risca edge back in front when Pesci gathered a high clearance kick and made ground into the visitors half before handing onto McGovern who ran strongly and offloaded to the supporting Murphy who dived over near the posts for a try which he also converted. But as at Brynmawr a few weeks ago the revival was shortlived. A mix up on the halfway line saw the Blaenavon no.14 come away with the ball and touchdown under the posts for a converted try. Even though Murphy put over a penalty to get Risca's noses back in front it was another mistake this time a dropped pass which was snapped up by the visitors no.14 who again ran in from 50metres for his second try which was converted that sealed the win for Blaenavon.

Full time Risca 24pts.-29pts.Blaenavon

As in Brynmawr points were conceded from ill discipline and basic mistakes. Game management again was a problem so hopefully before next Saturday the issues will be resolved in training. There were good things that did come from the afternoon, the glimpses of really good back play as well as individual performances from Jake Porter, Matthew McGovern and Man Of the Match Ben Murphy.

The Athletic lost 15pts-31 to Bridgend and the Youth lost to Newbridge 3-29pts.

Next Saturday 1st.XV. travel to Pontypool Utd.

Athletic host St.Albans in the Bowl.

Youth host Machen.