17 Oct 09 - Risca

LOST 10 - 27

Abercarn fell to only their second league defeat of the season, losing to Risca by 27 points to 10.

Within minutes of the kick off  Abercarn scored the first points of the game when outside half Matthew Johnson kicked a drop goal. That was the only time in the first half however that the visitors troubled the scoreboard.

The Risca team, quicker to the breakdowns and playing at a higher tempo took control of the game and scored two sparkling tries and kicked a penalty to have a half time lead of 17 points to 3.

The second half started as the first had ended, with Risca applying great pressure on the visitors’ defences and were able to score a further try to extend their lead to 24 points to 3.

With twenty minutes remaining, Abercarn made several substitutions which had an immediate impact on the game  with the forwards becoming more challenging at rucks and mauls. From a rare excursion into the home side’s half, a clean take at a lineout enabled the Abercarn forwards to set up a driving maul and Dean Johnson scored a try which his namesake Matthew duly converted.

Risca had the final say of the match when a successful penalty kick gave them the win by 27 points to 10. Back at the Abercarn clubhouse, man of the match was awarded to hooker Aaron Davies.

The Development squad were able to hold the previously undefeated New Tredegar side to a creditable draw of seven points each. Next Saturday Abercarn entertain Machen at the Welfare Ground and after the match a player’s reunion evening has been arranged.