Fixture

Match report by Clive James:

Risca travelled to Nantyglo looking to get back to winning ways after the home defeat against Blaenavon.They welcomed back last  seasons player of the year Gareth Smith after a long term injury.

The opening quarter of the game belonged to the visitors and when a kick out of defence was gathered by captain Mark Bale he made good ground before handing onto wing Mike Burke who went over for the try which was converted by Biddy.After 15mins.due to basic errors Nantyglo edged in front with three penalty goals.The lead was short lived with Biddy adding another penalty to put Risca back in front 10pts.-9. The game was then held up with centre Adam Tetley leaving the field to be replaced by utility back Adam Price.On 40mins.Biddy extended the lead with another well struck penalty and looked to have increased the scoreline just on halftime when scrum half Ben Pesci made ground for Burke to go in at the corner only for the referee to disallow the try.The second half started with the visitors again extending there lead within 5minutes with another penalty goal.Owen Cooper then replaced Louis Tovey at hooker. Biddy then put the home side under pressure by pinning them into there 22m area and after continued phases impressive loosehead prop Mike Hutchings went over for a try which again was converted by Biddy.Unfortunately Risca could not add to the scoreline but Nantyglo kept up there own pressure on the Risca line in the last 10mins.and were rewarded for there efforts with a converted try which secured them a bonus point.For Risca this was a must win game and this was achieved and with two home games to come against Rhydfelin and Nelson hopefully a mid table position can be secured going into the Xmas break.Today Owen Biddiscombe kept Risca going forward with his best kicking display of the season both out of hand and from the kicking tee while flanker Kieran Lewis was again outstanding with his all round display and Adam Price added huge energy in mid field when he came on. Overall it was a good day for Risca as the Athletic won 34pts-5 and the Youth also were victorious by 53pts.-0.