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

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

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

**

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

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

.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"

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

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

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

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.

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.

.

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,

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.