Risca RFC Youth 35 Monmouth RFC Youth 22

MONMOUTH RFC Youth travelled to Risca on Friday night under the floodlights for their opening game, taking a mixed U17s and U18s squad, reports RUPERT ROWELL.

This was already Risca’s fourth fixture of the 2024/25 campaign, but the visitors started brightly, pressurising the hosts.

A strong carry from blindside Arthur Miller set the platform, with quick ruck ball allowing inside centre Josh Meredith to slice through for a trademark try and a 5-0 lead.

Fullback Doug May – also part of the U18 Glos squad – then fielded a high ball inside his own half and produced a stunning solo run, beating eight defenders before diving Superman-style under the posts.

Fly-half Charlie Malsom slotted the conversion for 12-0 before Risca responded with determination, capitalising on defensive errors to score two quick-fire converted tries to lead 14-12.

But quick thinking from openside Shay Hodges, who pounced on an overthrown lineout, saw him pop the ball to No 8 Max Robinson, who powered through midfield before burning the wing and handing off the fullback to finish a sensational 75-metre try.

The conversion was missed, but Monmouth now led 17-14 before the referee – excellent throughout – signalled half-time.

Unfortunately, it was Robinson’s final contribution as a back injury forced him off.

Risca restarted by using the boot to pin Monmouth back and applying pressure through their forwards.

And two more tries – one in the corner and another from a sharp dummy and dive by their scrum-half – put the hosts 28-17 up.

With ten minutes remaining, Monmouth threw caution to the wind. Playing expansive rugby and showing the benefit of former Wales star Morgan Stoddard’s drills, they surged up field.

And from a quick Jake Paterson tap, the ball went through Seb Wilson and Doug May, before Alfie Rayner crashed over.

But despite Monmouth’s late push, Risca added a fifth converted try, and ran out 35-22 winners.