Fixture

Match report by Clive James

Following on from last weeks bonus point win over Blackwood Risca were looking to continue the winning ways against visitors Nantyglo who they had beaten 23-16 in November. Injuries and unavailability saw Callum Anderson and Todd James coming into the 2nd.row,Owain Biddiscombe in for Scott Turner who is out for the remainder of the season and Ben Pesci starting at no.9.

The first half belonged mainly to the home side who kept the visitors under pressure for long periods and got to half time with a 15pts.-0 lead.After 5 minutes Biddy slotted over a penalty and this was followed on 17minutes when possession was lost by Nantyglo and slick handling from the halfway line saw prop Mike Hutchings take the final pass and cross for the try which was converted by Biddy.Although Risca kept pressing for another score it didn't come until the 40th.minute when no.9 Pesci broke from a 5 metre scrum and got over in the corner for an unconverted try.

The second half got underway with the visitors starting with more intent and they put the home side under pressure and this resulted on 22minutes with a driving maul ending with a converted try to reduce the deficit.Back came Risca with captain Mark Bale and No.8 Gareth Smith making inroads into the Nantyglo half finishing with strong running centre Corey Nicholls getting over for the third score which again went unconverted.The visitors were not finished and came back to score another try from a driving maul this one went unconverted.Risca managed to see out the remainder of the game to secure the win but again errors and wrong decision making made the contest closer than it should have been.

The pick of the home side this week were no.10.Owain Biddiscombe whose line kicking relieved the late pressure and no.8 Gareth Smith who yet again had a superb allround  performance.