Fixture

Risca RFC | 1st Team 25 - 29 Hartridge RFC | 1st Team
Ben Murphy
Conversion 1
Penalty 6
Rhys Meredith
Try 1

Match Report
02 December 2018 / Team News

Risca 25 - Hartridge 29

Match report by Clive James

Without a win in the league Hartridge came to the Stores Field looking to impress their returning long term coach,and they certainly did that getting the better of Risca in the very difficult conditions.

Risca made one change from last weeks side that played Caerleon and that was Jake Porter coming in for the unavailable Gareth Evans on the flank.
The heavy ground dictated how the game would be played and little was seen of back play from either side in a first half punctuated by infringements which saw both 10's swapping penalties Hartridge putting over three and Ben Murphy landing five for the home team.On 35minutes the visitors got their first try when after exploiting a huge gap the centre went over near the posts without a hand being laid on him,The extras were added.
Half time 15pts.-16.
Risca started the second period with more purpose and gained a foothold in the opposition 22 .Hartridge infringed and Murphy edged the homeside in front for the first time.Play then  swung back into the Risca half and after conceding another penalty the visitors went back in front.
The lead was then added to when after hoisting up a high kick Ben Pesci brought down his opposite number without the ball and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try.
With fifteen minutes to play Risca then exerted a lot of pressure on the visitors line and were rewarded when Captain Rhys Meredith went over for a converted score.Were we going to witness another last gasp win as happened at Caerleon last week.That hope was dashed when Hartridge sealed a deserved first league win with yet another penalty goal.
Final score 25pts.-29.
Not being able to keep the ball,kicking possession away,lack of intensity at the breakdown, coming off second best at the set scrums and poor lineout calls 
all contributed to this defeat to a side who wanted it more.
Next week 1st.Xv travel to Dowlais k.o.2.30.
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