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Match reports- By Mr. Mike Allen
Swalec 4th Round Plate
Competition.
Risca
33 pts Llangefni 9 pts.
Risca
welcomed Llangefni Anglesey North Wales to the stores field and what a
treat it was for the excellent crowd in attendance.Risca made 4
changes from the team that played Rhiwbina bringing in David
Jefferson, Rhys Potter,Shaun Rees and Tim Barnes.
Llangefni
were good value for their 3 pts penalty after 8 mins kicked by No 10
Max Bracken. Llangefni were winning the battle up front and Risca's
defense work were stretched to the full to keep their line in tact.
After 19 mins a big clearance by Rhys Carpenter got Risca into the
oppositions 22. An excellent line out by Martin Jones and Jefferson to
Carpenter and a long miss pass to Steve Barnes who nearly got over.
But the resulting scrum Jefferson went blind and Andrew Fraser scored
a corner try but the kick failed. Llangefni came straight back into
the Risca 22 mt and only some very brave tackling held them out.
Richard Evans ,Alex Williams and Gareth Smith were working their socks
off. Richard Evans got a yellow card 5 mins before half time, and then
Risca servieved 4-5mt scrums to escape when Andrew Fraser got away and
a big kick and chase forced the Llangefni full back to push the ball
into touch 10 mts from their line. From the resulting line out quick
ball to Carpernter to Bushell to Barnes and Alex Williams hit the off
load and went straight under the posts Carpenter got the extras. H.T.
Risca 12pts Llangefni 3 Pts. With Llangefni still getting more
possession than Risca , But could not use it effectivatly Risca took
their chances well and Potter took a high ball inside his own half and
run it staraight back to within 10 mts and put Steve Barnes in under
the posts. Then Risca upset the scrum and John Hodges took his chance
to get in again under the posts. The fifth try was a great individual
effort by Rhys Carpenter which took him under the posts. Carpenter
converted all three try's. Man of the match Alex Williams.
Next Saturday Risca
Play St Joseph's at home Stores Field Risca.
Many Thanks to Mike
Allen for his Match Report
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Risca V St
Josephs Cardiff.
Risca 27 pts
St Josephs 15 pts.
Risca got back to
winning ways in the league and ground out a good victory over a very
commited St Joseph's side from cardiff.
Craig Thomas and Jason
Jones returned in the three quarters, with Ty Morris and
Alex Uwell returned up front. St
Jo's had the better ot the Risca's pack in the opening quarter and it
was 15 mins on the clock when Risca were penalised and St Jo's duly
oblidged with a simple penalty.
But after 25 mins
Gareth Smith came away from deep in home territory running a full 60
mts to stretch St Jo's defense, But no one on his shoulder the chance
was lost, but immediately the St Jo's pack were penalised for over the
top and Rhys Carpenter got the penalty. mins later Risca pressing on
the 22mts line Tim Barnes cleaned out at a ruck and delivered a great
ball to David Jefferson who put Carpenter in the clear then Barnes
linked with Craig Thomas and Barnes looped around the outside to score
a great try wide out, the kick failed from the touch line.
St Jo's replied with a
penalty but Carpenter immediatley dropped a goal, another penalty from
St Jo's just before the break put the score at Risca 11pts St Joseph's
9 Pts.
After the interval St
Jo's went straight into the lead with another penalty, but Risca
forwards were now starting to take over, Nicky Davies, Owen Cooper and
Alex Uwell starting to get to grips with St Jo's front row. Risca won
a couple of balls against the head and Carpenter made St Jo's suffer
with 3 Consecutive penaltys. St Jo's replyed with one of their own
with the clock ticking Risca had kept the best till last and what a
treat it was. St Jo's lost possession just in the Risca half when Ty
Morris won turn over ball and with Jefferson, Carpenter, Jones all
handling Will Hamilton a late sub on the wing received with a lot to
do beat the cover defence to score a good try and Carpenter converted
for a personal tally of 17 pts. Man of the match Steve Barnes.
Risca
travel to Pontllanfraith next Saturday.
Many Thanks to Mike
Allen for his Match Report
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Risca V
Pontllanfraith
Pontllanfraith
0 Risca 31.
Risca
travelled to Ponllanfraith making seven changes from the team who
defeated St Joseph's last week. Tyrone Morris getting married on the
day recieved all the good wishes of the Club and with half the
team attending the Wedding Risca had a very youthfull looking team on
the field. (But they done the job).
In the
first quarter it was all Ponllanfraith and Risca could not get their
hands on the ball, the back row of Anthony Brown, Gareth Smith and
Luke Martin had plenty of tackling to do. Gradualy Risca broke the
strangle hold and a good clearance by Rhys Carpenter got play into
Ponts half, forcing them to concede a penalty and Carpenter kicked a
good 40 mt goal.
Good
line out work by Tim Barnes and Anthony Brown produced some excellent
ball and Craig Thomas got his line moving with Carpenter and Steve
Barnes both making good ground before Jason Jones got the 1st try
after 17 mins. Carpenter got the extra.
Tim
Barnes was driving his young pack of forwards and keeping the pressure
on up front young Anthony Brown showing up well in the loose and the
lineout, it was Brown and Gareth Smith that forced back the next
Pontllanfrath's challenge turning ball over, and Luke Martin dived
over under the posts for Carpenter's easy convertion.
Just
before halftime Pont lost the ball just on halfway line Risca hacked
through and Ponts full back tried to hack it into touch but it landed
into Andrew Fraser's hands who run in from 40 mts, Carpenter got the
extra's.
Half time Pontllanfratih nil Risca 24 pts.
With
only one score in the second half and it was Fraser again getting the
touch down after a cheeky interception got him in under the posts
Carpenter again converted. Anthony Brown named man of the match.
Please
note re arranged fixtures.
Many Thanks to Mike
Allen for his Match Report
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Risca 15 pts
LLandaff 13 pts
After suffering a
home defeat last week against Tredegar Ironsides, Risca hosted league
leaders Llandaff, and moving Chad Bushell to full back, Dan Dark came
into no 12 for his first game since recovering from a broken wrist.
The first half
hour was all Risca, with most ot the game being played in the Llandaff
22m area. The Risca forwards were commanding all the game and dominating
proccedings. Nicky Davies and Tim Barnes were absolutley outstanding,
but with all the pressure Risca did not turn pressure into points and it
was 20 mins on the clock before Rhys Carpenter put a penalty over for
persistent infringments by LLandaff. Risca still pinned Llandaff down,
but then on 30 mins a high kick by Carpenter was quickly followed by
Andrew Fraser jumping up over Llandaff's full back the ball bounced off
his back and Dan Dark who was up in support took a great ball to race in
under the posts for Carpenter to convert. Just on half time Risca was
penilised for holding on and LLandaff took the points Risca had a well
deserved 10 pts to 3 pts lead.
Straight after the
break Llandaff got another penalty and were getting more of the game,
but Risca's pack were starting to fade, Tim Barnes got a yellow card and
with him off the field Risca survived 5 consecutive 5m scrums, with Rhys
Falke and Shun Reece subing in the front row. Risca pinched one against
the head and Carpenter broke free from behind the posts and darted and
dodged his way through running a good 50m up field before he was hauled
down. Llandaff got the ball into touch. From the line out Richard Evans
broke free kicked up the line picked up and scored a great try to wind
up in the corner.
With Risca trying
to wind the clock down Llandaff got a consolation try,. converted .
A fine victory for
Risca before meeting Cardiff University in next Saturday's Quarter
Finals of the S.W.A.L.E.C. Plate competition K.O. 2-30 pm Stores Field
Risca.
Many Thanks to Mike
Allen for his Match Report
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S.W.A.L.E.C.Plate
Commpetition Risca v cardiff university
Risca welcomed
cardiff University to the stores field in the quarter final of the
S.W.A.L.E.C. Plate competition, and followed up on their great win
against Llandaff last week with an outstanding victory 46 pts to 28 pts.
Risca scoring 8
trys and the University scoring 4 trys a great advert for rugby.
After only 2
minuets Risca got their 1st try on the board with quick ball from the
forwards to David Jefferson who put Rhys Potter into space for a try in
the corner. But the students came straight back with some exciting
running scoring trys on 8 mins and 10 mins both converted to put them 14
ts to 5 pts in front and in charge.
With both side
running the ball at every opportunity Risca's forwards started to put
their stamp on the game with Nicky Davies, Owen Cooper and Shaun Rees
putting some good work in , and Tim Barnes and Richard Evans excelling,
the Students were forced to give a penalty away just on the 22 mt line.
Evans picked up and took a quick tap and Owen Cooper was over under the
posts, for Rhys Carpenter to convert. Within 5 mins a drive by Ty Morris
opened up the students defense and with Nicky Davies pick and drive
creating good ball to David Jefferson for a good try converted by
Carpenter.
With Risca's
forward exserting tremendous pressure Evans stormed off the back of the
scrum and taking three players with him crashed in for try No 4
Carpenter added the extras right on half time. Risca 26 pts Cardiff Uni
14 pts.
After the interval
Jefferson made a cracking break from in his own half forcing the
Students to put the ball in touch near their own line and from the
lineout Evans went straight over for his second try. But the Students
came straight back with a brilliant try from way out running it out from
their own half to get in under the post, they got the extras with the
score 31pts to 21 pts the crowd were kept on their toes.
The Risca forwards
pick and drive took Niky Davies over 36 pts to 21 pts. the the students
again run in from distance with conversion 39 pts to 28 pts and with Tim
Barnes and Carpenter scoring a try a piece. A standing ovation for
both sides after watching 74 pts scored. Man of the match Richard Evans.
Risca are looking
forward to the Semi Final with confidence. Wednesday Risca will
play Chepstow K.O. 7.15 pm and Saturday visit Crumlin.
Many Thanks to Mike
Allen for his Match Report
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.Risca V Chepstow
Risca played
Chepstow in a rearranged league game a very evenly fought 1st half saw
Risca just in the lead at 16 pts to 10 pts.
With a Steve
Barnes try converted with 3 penalties by Rhys Carperter to a converted
try and penalty by Chepstow.
After the break
the game was balanced at 19 pts to 13 pts until the last 10 minuets and
replacement Chad Bushell turned the key that opened up the Chepstow
defence with two more tries by Steve Barnes and a cracker by Chris
Fraser. Final Risca 36 pts Chepstow 18 pts. Risca tries,
Steve Barnes, 3 Chris Fraser, Con 2, penalties 4 Rhys Carpenter.
Chepstow Tries 2, Con 1, Pen 2.
Many Thanks to Mike
Allen for his Match Report
"Brevity is
the soul of wit"
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Risca travelled to Crumlin with
confidence after their midweek win over Chepstow by 36 pts to 18 pts.
and they were not disappointed and recorded another bonus point victory
buy 36 pts to 17 pts.
Crumlin opened the scoring with
a penalty by Chris Moses after 8 minuets. Risca struck straight back
with some enterprising rugby with the forwards driving through, Tim
Barnes and Anthony Brown winning great possession and forcing Crumlin to
conceded a penalty. Rhys Carpenter obliged with a big penalty, Crumlin
took the play back into Risca's territory but a good scrum by Risca give
great possession. David Jefferson got into space and a good miss pass to
Steve Barnes got on the outside of Crumlin's defence for an excellent
try, which was converted by Carpenter. Crumlin
came straight back with a cheeky interception by Moses for a try under
the posts converted by the same player, another penalty by Carpenter led
to 20 minuets of domination by the Risca Pack and Nicky Davies,
Tim Barnes and Richard Evans showing up with some strong play. With
Crumlin's full back under big pressure he tried to fly kick the ball
away but it landed in Steve Barnes hands and he trotted in under the
posts , Carpenter adding the extras. Right on the stroke of half
time Risca's lighter pack of forwards pushed the heavy weight Crumlin
over the line for a try by Richard Evans.
After the interval Risca got
sucked into a forward battle which they did not want with a lot of of
indiscipline on both sides resulted in a try and conversion by
Crumlin, but Risca had the last say with a try by Nicky
Davies converted by Carpenter.
Next Saturday Risca host Machen
and welcome all past players for a reception and reunion before and
after the game.
Many Thanks to Mike
Allen for his Match Report
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Risca 28 pts Machen 28 pts
Risca with a hard fought and tense
draw against a very improved Machen team. With 3 tries from Risca and 4
tries from Machen the game was on a knife edge right up to the final
whistle.
Risca looked to be heading towards
defeat in the 1st half in which Machen took all the plaudits, Risca were
strangled in their own half for most of the time with 3 brief visits
into the Machen territory. Rhys Carpenter clocked up 3 penaltys to take
his seasons tally to 200 pts plus. But Machen scored 2 delightfull tries
with conversions and took a 1st half lead of 14 pts to 9 pts. Mostly due
to the outstanding running by fullback S. Woolatt.
After the break Risca came more
into the game with the pack imposing total pressure on the Machen eight.
The front row of Nicky Davies, Rhys Fawke and Sean Rees were realy on
top and the back row of Sam Wright, Gareth Smith and Richard Evans
dominating the loose, but Machen scored next with a cracking try from
wide out which was converted, this took Machen to 21 pts to 9 pts in the
lead and Risca looked to be cracking when Machen missed a vital penalty
right in front of the posts which would have took them out of sight,
this miss made Risca wake up and they scored 3 consecertive tries
through Riscard Evans (2) and Sam Wright with Carpenter (2) Conversions
Risca were in the lead for the first time 28 pts to 21 pts with the
clock ticking down to the final whistle.
Machen had the final say with full
back Woolatt breaking Risca's heart with another great try converted by
the same player. Risca's
back row were outstanding but again Nicky Davies on the loose head took
the MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD.
Risca have some injury worries
with three or four players and with next Saturday's SWALEC PLATE SEMI
FINAL against Tredegar Iron Sides at Blackwood now hoping all these
players will come through fittness tests this week.
Many Thanks to Mike
Allen for his Match Report
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SWALEC Plate
Semi Final
Risca's Millennium dream will come
true on May 9th when the team will run out of the tunnel onto the
hallowed turf. Risca will play Ammanford who won their Semi Final
against Rhydyfelin.
Risca defeated Tredegar Ironsides
in a nail biting game at Blackwood, with the final score 13 pts to 12
pts. There were three late changes in the side to the advertised
programme. Rhys Potter at full back was declared unfit and replaced by
Chad Bushell, Daniel Dark moving to center and Chris Fraser coming in on
the wing.
Ironsides kicked off and the
catcher Mike Saladino was immediately caught in possession and Risca
were facing a penalty within a minuet, but it was a big let off as the
Ironside's missed from 22 mts out. In the opening quarter .there
was a lot of ping-pong kicking testing both defenses, but just on ten
minuets a Risca scrum and David Jefferson made a brilliant break from
the halfway making a good 20 mts and with Richard Evans on his shoulder
and with a brilliant tackle by the Ironside's full back a certain try
was saved. With the Risca pack now getting on top Ty Morris,
Gareth Smith and Richard Evans excelling around the field once again
Jefferson made the initial burst to break through and Daniel Dark breaking
two tackles got the ball away to Chris Fraser, with still a lot to
do he got in for a great try on the corner flag, with a brilliant
conversion from the touchline by Rhys Carpenter with the strong
swirling wind conditions. The Ironside's came straight back to hammer
Risca's forwards once again Risca give away a very kickable
penalty but it was again missed. Risca let off once more,
but right on 40 minuets the Ironside's got right in the corner with a
good try which again went unconverted. Half time 7 pts to 5 pts to
Risca.
After the break Richard Evans,
in a clash of heads, had to be replaced by Anthony Brown . With the
scrum always under pressure and the line out performing excellent
Tim Barnes and Gareth Smith stealing lots against the throw in Risca
worked their way down field and Carpenter working the touchline,
Carpenter kicked two wonderful penalties to put the cuckoo's 13 pts to 5
pts in the lead, but with ten minuets left on the clock the Ironside's
came back with a good try under the posts which was converted. With 8
minuets of injury time left Risca held out with some gritty defense
work. Rhys Carpenter was names Man Of The match with three out ot three
kicks for goal which was the deciding factor.
Many Thanks to Mike
& June Allen for their Match Report
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Llandaff V risca
Llandaff 29 pts Risca 3 Pts
After the lord Mayors show, of
last Saturday, Risca travelled to Llandaff on Tuesday, and Llandaff had
their revenge on Risca for their defeat of two weeks ago.
Risca made ten changes in
their team introducing two youth players for their debut
Jamie Knapman and Tom Dumalow.
Risca who got a first half penalty
by Rhys Carpenter were always playing good rugby, but making to many
mistakes and top of the league Llandaff punished them with 4 tries.
Knapman and Dumalow showed up well and will definatly feature for Risca
in the future.
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Risca 37 pts Brynithel 7 pts
Risca hosted Brynithel at the
stores field it was their first meeting of the season owing to postponement
in January. Once again Risca rung the changes making six in all from the
team that played Tuesday against Llandaff.
In a frantic start Risca were
put on the back foot by a force full Brynithel pack of forwards, but
Risca's defence held out and quietly got a foothold in the game when
Brynithel were penalised for repeated infringements, Sam Wright, Gareth
Smith and Anthony Brown a youthful back row putting their stamp on
events, Rhys Carpenter obliged with two well taken penalties.
On the half hour the ball was
worked out to Chris Fraser on the right wing it was 40 mts out but he
beat 1st man, 2nd man and 3rd man and with added determination got a
well deserved try which was converted by Carpenter. Two
minuets later hooker Owen Cooper got the ball after good work by Rhys
Davies and then Daniel Dark crashed through the center Cooper
running in a certain try only to drop the ball on the line.
But with Daniel Dark starting to
blow holes in the Brynithel defense Carpenters quick off load hit Dark
spot on and he was in under the posts converted by Carpenter.
Just on half time Carpenter
stroked a long range penalty from 45 mts. Half time Risca 23 pts
Brynithel nil.
Straight after the break Brynithel
forced a scrum right under Risca's posts which resulted in a push over
try which was converted, and with Risca sitting back on their lead it
was from two mistakes by Brynithel that Risca got another two tries.
Chris Fraser got his 2nd with an interception 75 mts out and he was
under the posts. Captain Steve Barnes picked up a dropped pass and run
in from 45 mts both tries converted by Carpenter.
Man of the match Chris Fraser.
Many Thanks to Mike
Allen for his Match Report
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Risca condemned a plucky
Brynithel to relegation from Division 4 East with an entertaining 35 -
10 win at the Recreation Ground.
Risca made six changes from the
team that defeated Brynithel Owls last week, welcoming full back Rhys
Potter back from injury and giving chances to players to stake their
claim for a place in the SWALEC Plate final next Saturday at the
Millennium Stadium. Risca
outside half Rhys Potter opened the scoring with a penalty and then a
try and conversion after good approach work by flanker Ty Morris.
After 30 mins No 8 Richard Evans
picked up and drove from a 5m scrum to take out two Brynithel back row
and pop out a pass to wing Craig Thomas who scored in the corner. During
injury time Brynithel wing Adrian Watkins hit a good penalty. Half time
Risca 15 - 3.
On 50 min captain Steve Barnes
took the Brynithel defence left, suddenly switching direction to run an
arc and score in the right corner, 20 - 3.
Full back Rhys Potter proved he is
back to full fitness scoring two well taken tries from long range,
Carpenter converting one. Brynithel
never gave up and between Potter's two tries, Centre Lee Bowden took
advantage of a Risca concentration lapse to score from 40m under the
posts for Watkins to convert.
Carpenter finished the match with
a penalty taking his personal tally for the season to over 250 points.
Although Risca have one last
league match against Monmouth, their thoughts are on the Plate Final
against Div. 2 West Ammanford next Saturday K. O. 3.30 pm and a piece of
Cuckoo Rugby history. Best wishes to the whole squad go not only the
Club but from the whole of Risca as the only East Wales Club in the
SWALEC Cup, Plate and Bowl Finals,
Many Thanks to
John Hayes for his Match Report
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Ammonford v
Risca SWALEC Plate Final.
Ammonford 46 pts Risca 20
pts.
Risca fell at the last hurdle and
their fighting spirit was just not enough on their day at the Millennium
Stadium.
Risca had Dan Dark in the sin bin
for a high tackle and immediately Ammonford were in for their first try
from wing Evans. The
heavy Ammonford front five were hard to contain but Risca got a foothold
in the game and Rhys Carpenter kicked an excellent penalty but two more
tries by Ammonford in the first half and another penalty from Carpenter
made the half time score 19 pts to 6pts to Ammonford.
Risca got more into the game after
the interval and run the ball at every opportunity but some mistakes in
their handling gifted three tries to Ammonford. Risca
would not give in and scored two excellent tries by Dan Dark and Ty
Morris both converted by Rhys Carpenter, but Ammonford had the
last say with a try in the 79th minuet.
Risca's Man of the match Gareth
Smith
A day to remember for everyone
connected with Risca R.F.C. Thanks
to Chris Evans Director of rugby, Gareth Evans Backs Coach, Ty Morris
forwards Coach for all their hard work and dedication throughout the
season.
John Hayes Secretary and all the
back room staff for their in put. Risca will celebrate their
season with a presentation Dinner at the Club House on Friday with Gavin
Jenkins former Welsh International hooker as guest speaker.
Many thanks to the South Wales
Argus Sports desk for their support through the season.
Many Thanks to Mike
Allen for his Match Report
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As
Chairman of Risca RFC I would personally like to thank everyone for their
tremendous support for Risca RFC in the SWALEC Plate Final at the
Millennium Stadium yesterday. The sight of so many black and amber
shirts, banners and flags in the crowd was a credit to the people of Risca
and the neighbouring villages. The atmosphere was tremendous and was
savoured by the team on the field.
This
was one of the best, if not the best day, in the history of the club and I
am more than pleased that you were able to share this occasion with us.
The
reception that the squad received when arriving back at the club was
something that could not be bought, engineered or planned. Again it showed
the tremendous support for Risca RFC.
Once
again, thank you for your support and hopefully this will continue when
our new season starts in September.
Colin
Wilks
Chairman
– Risca RFC
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