Fixture

Match report by Clive James:

League leaders and potential champions Rhydyfelin came to the Stores Field confident of gaining the double.They achieved it but were made to fight all the way against Risca.

After last weeks dismal display this was in complete contrast with every member of the team giving 100% commitment and effort.Owain Biddiscombe and Corey Nicholls returned to the backline with Joe Bartlett coming into the second row on permit from Ebbw Vale to partner Geraint Roberts.

The visitors took the lead against the run of play early in the game when a pass was intercepted by the left wing who ran in from 60metres,full back Gratton added the extras.Risca then hit back with the try of the match.Biddy fielded a clearance kick on the halfway line and Corey Nicholls finished off a move that saw the ball moving quickly through the backline with wing Taylor Dimmick  adding the injection of pace  before passing on to Nicholls.A second score followed on the half hour mark when Wayne Whitehead touched down for his 12th.try after more quick handling.Biddy added the extras.Earlier Rhydyfelin were down to fourteen when one of the forwards was red carded for a punch.This together with conceding two tries they realised they were in a game.They re-grouped and got on level terms when no.8 Phillips went over from a driving maul.

Half time 12pts.-12.

Risca started the second half as they had the first and took the game to the visitors.It wasn't until a quarter of an hour in that the next score came when Gratton put over a long range penalty.Play then see-sawed both ways with both defences preventing any further scores.A series of penalties then saw Risca having to defend on the goal line and Rhydyfelin's persistence paid off when they got a third try which was converted to go 22pts.-12 up.But the visitors were not allowed to settle by Risca who responded with a third try of their own.After Whitehead and Dimmick combined down the left touchline the ball was moved quickly through the hands for replacement Alexander Hawkins to take the scoring pass and force his way over.The remainder of the half saw the homeside going all out for a fourth try but Rhydyfelin hung on and were relieved to hear the final whistle.

Final score 17pts.-22.

This was a superb performance which deserved more than a losing bonus point.The inclusion of Joe Bartlett with his bulk and expertise galvanised the rest of the forwards and with good ball being gained the threequarter line were able to express themselves.No Man of the Match this week,the team were Men of the Match.

With three league games remaining hopefully they can replicate todays performance.

Next weeks league fixture v Caerleon (a)

Picture courtesy of Ian Whitcombe.