Fixture

Match report by Clive James:

With a number of players unavailable Risca had to call on the Athletic to make up the squad for the visit to Hartridge.Joe Carlin was again on permit from Crosskeys,Taylor Dimmick moved into the centre with Taylor Barnes coming in on the wing.Ben Murphy started at no.10 while there were league debuts for Dean Whatley in the 2nd.row and Matthew Bradbury at openside.

In perfect conditions,unlike the home fixture in December when Hartridge won 29pts.-25, Risca received the kick off playing up the slope.Within the first ten minutes centre Taylor Dimmick went over under the posts after some deft footwork and determination,Ben Murphy put over the conversion.On the half hour mark Risca had added two more converted tries through Ryan Dallimore and captain Rhys Meredith to reach half time with a healthy 21pts.-0 scoreline.

The second half didn't start well for the visitors when from the kick off the home no.8 gathered and went on a barnstorming run before being brought down on the 22metre line.Play then moved to within 5metres of the goalline and they got the touchdown after a handling error by Risca.

That was as good as it got for the home team and while they had a ten minute spell of putting the visitors under pressure they were bereft of ideas on how to break down the Risca defense After a superb breakout from the 22 by Ryan Dallimore and Taylor Dimmick was stopped inside the home 22.Hartridge infringed at the breakdown and Murphy put over the penalty.

Risca had to make changes when Captain Rhys Meredith limped off.Ben Pesci moved to inside half with Biddy slotting in to full back and after a spear tackle on prop Geraint Rowlands,which went unpunished,Ieuan Davies replaced him.The other changes in the 2nd.half saw Adam Jones for Jordan Rogers and Luke Bowie for Bradbury.

The changes only energised the team and the bonus point score came when from a lineout a driving maul saw Callum Coughlin get the important try which went unconverted.A fifth followed when Ieuan Davies made a theatrical swallow dive over the line which Murphy added the extras.

Full time 36pts.-5.

This win has to rank as one of the best of the season.A  team effort with a lot of standout performances.Elliot Bateman had his best game in a Risca jersey,Taylor Dimmick and Ryan Dallimore created mayhem in the Hartridge defense with their strong runs,Adam Tetley tackled all afternoon,Ben Murphy showed that no.10 is his position as he controlled things with his kicking and running.Up front again the front row and replacements were superb.Dean Whatley supported Bateman,Joe Carlin and Callum Coughlin gave their usual 100%  but my Man of the Match was the young Matthew Bradbury who came in for his debut against a very intimidating side and showed he has a bright future ahead of him.

Risca Youth lost to Machen 33pts.-7.

Next Saturday Dowlais are the visitors.K.O.2.30.