Fixture

Match report by Clive James:

Risca gained the double with a bonus point win over Blaenavon after a performance that was in stark contrast to the lack lustre showing two weeks ago against Brynmawr.

Corey Nicholls returned in the centre with Ryan Crandon and Callum Anderson coming in for the injured Kiaren Lewis and Ryan Anderson while Allyn Evans returned to the back row.Captain Rhys Meredith was on the bench with Liam Thomas starting at no.9. Games against Blaenavon are usually hard fought and this in the early stages was just that.The visitors took the lead with a penalty goal after twelve minutes but this was short lived as Dowle landed a penalty and then Risca increased the lead almost immediately with a converted try under the posts by Corey Nicholls after good work from Anderson and Crandon.Dowle then landed another penalty to increase the lead to 13pts.-3. On the hour mark Blaenavon hit back and scored a try after a driving maul.From the kick off the homeside then exerted pressure and after a number of phases no.9 Thomas got over in the corner for a converted try to go in at half time 20pts.-8 ahead.

The pressure on the Blaenavon line continued almost from the off with good runs from centres Tetley and Nicholls and wing Ben Pesci,Then no.10 Biddy pinned the visitors into the 22metre area and from the resultant lineout Callum Anderson secured the loose ball passed onto Carlin who the fed the impressive Allyn Evans and he finished off the move brushing aside defenders to score a superb try.Dowle added the extras.More good approach work from the home forwards then saw 2nd.row Alex Hawkins break through to go over under the posts for the bonus point try converted by Dowle.Allyn Evans and Geraint Rowlands were then replaced by youth team players Adam Jones and Callum Redman, who both acquitted themselves very well for the remainder of the game on their debuts.Blaenavon managed to get a converted try but Risca saw out the 2nd half and secured the 34pts.-15 win.

This was a tremendous team effort with Callum Anderson and Ryan Crandon giving everything for the full 80minutes while the back row of Sully,Carlin and Evans were everywhere.But it was 2nd row Alex Hawkins who was Man of the Match for the second time this season.

Next league fixture is Brecon away on March 4th.