Blaenavon RFC -10

Risca RFC - 3

Due to the downpour, the conditions underfoot, and the rustiness in both match-starved sides it was evident from the kick-off, Blaenavon’s match against Risca wasn’t going to be a spectacular feast of running rugby.

The dominant Blaenavon Pack got to grips with the mud early on, with Callum Davis, Blaine Meek and Wayne Redman, doing well to secure any ball on the floor and keep the Blaenavon momentum driving forward.

Ryan Bates at scrum half supplied a steady stream of quality ball which the Blaenavon Backs attempted to run, with Darren Pearce at outside half combing well with centres Dan Phillips and Marcus Jones. Yet the elements were slowing the ball down enough to allow the solid Risca defence to counter attack from turnover ball, and poor kicking options allowed them to venture into the Blaenavon 22 on several occasions.

Good defence by Blaenavon kept them at bay with sterling work by Jamie Noble and Matthew Billings, and excellent rucking and mauling by the front row of Sam Evans, Dan Horseman and Owen Howells.

Blaenavon turned the tables and caught Risca offside, allowing Darren Pearce to slot over the first and only score of the half, 3-0.

The second half started well for a rejuvenated Risca who attacked the Blaenavon line hard in the first 10 minutes, which required some big tackles by full back Luke Challenger, who had to retire with a dislocated shoulder, and Ryan Bates, whose game ended with a knee injury.

Some hasty reshuffles in the Blaenavon back line held out well against the Risca onslaught, and soon the Blav were back on the attack with some big booming runs by Jamie Noble, Blaine Meek and Owen Howells.

Unfortunately bad handling errors and poor conditions nullified the attack and allowed Risca off the hook.

The breakthrough finally came when Wayne Redman fed Marcus Jones for a well worked try, converted by Darren Pearce, 10-0.

It was left to Risca to finish the afternoon’s scoring when a rare venture into the Blaenavon 22 saw Blaenavon cough up a penalty which Risca kicked to take a losing bonus point and round off a hard fought game.

Next Saturday Blaenavon entertain Brecon at home with another rearranged fixture at the Recreation Ground. Kick-off is at 2.30pm, weather permitting.