RISCA hosted Nantyglo at the Stores Field on Saturday and once again lost by a single point 17-16.

Last season's games also both ending with Risca defeated by a point by 32-31 and 21-20.

Risca were immediately under pressure with Nantyglo having a jumbo size pack of forwards scoring a good try after five minutes play, converted by outside-half Jason Williams.

But Risca worked their way back into the game with some good running rugby and Nantyglo conceded five consecutive penalties, three of which were kicked by Jason Evans jnr.

The Risca pack worked hard to combat the steam roller Nantyglo pack including the front five of veteran Sean Rees, Owain Cooper, Luke Martin, locks, Martin Jones and Rob Talbot, who won lots of good possession which was moved quickly out wide.

Rob Talbot broke free on the half-way line, he linked with Gareth Evans who put Chad Bushell away and with the line at his mercy, Craig Thomas lost the ball. With Risca leading 9-7 at the break there was everything to play for.

Within five minutes of the kick-off and Risca doing all the passing, they had a scrum on the 22 metre line. David Jefferson went blind and with two men outside him showed two great dummies to run in unopposed, Jason Evans converting.

Risca gave away a penalty try and with the score balanced at 16-14 to Risca, they give a penalty away which Jason Williams kicked from wide out to seal the result by one point.

On Saturday Risca play Monmouth at home (kick-off 1.30pm).

Ynysddu captain Martin Gleadall celebrated his 30th birthday in style by leading his side to a 30 - 21 victory over Llanhilleth and withthe Dee's scoring five triesthey also gained a much needed bonus point.The home side had a dream start scoring two tries in the opening ten minutes.

Gleadall converted the first, scored by big second row forward Ed Oakley, then supplied a clever chip over the visitors' defence for full back Craig Huish to run onto for the second.

If the home side thought it was going to be an easy afternoon they were in for a shock as Llanhilleth stepped up a gear and came back at them scoring two very good tries themselves.

Just before half-timeYnysddu increased their leadto 20-14 with apenalty by Gleadall and a try fromKevin Chamberlain after some excellent work by Dickie Henderson and Wayne Jones.

Llanhilleth put the home scrum under the cosh after they lost second row Rhys Gladwyn for ten minutes after he received a yellow card.

Their pressure finallypaid offwhen the referee awarded them a penalty try and they took the lead 20 - 21. With Gladwyn back in the fray the Dee's started playing withtheir new found confidence and they put together some terrific rugby.

Fly half Grant Robson began to boss the game releasing his backs when any opportunity arose and kicking for the corners to keep Llanhilleth in their own half.

As Ynysddu upped their game, the visitors began to tire and Matthew Whitcome finishedoff a Robson break to score in the corner.

The final nail in Llanhilleth's coffin was administered by man of the match and new dad scrum half Byron Williams who jinked in from 30 metre to cap an outstanding performance both in attack and defence.

Blackwood progressed to the last 16 of the Konica Minolta Cup with an effective away performance which saw them beat Aberavon Quins 42-13 at Harlequin Road.

On a heavy but well prepared pitch, Blackwood kicked off and put on the early pressure.

Paul Emmanuelli opened the scoring with a penalty, but the Quins immediately responded with Mark Sheppard replying in kind.

As both sides got to grips with the game, penalties abounded, and Emmanuelli restored the lead with a further three points.

Even though the Quins pack were causing problems, the visitors' backs were always looking dangerous, and they found their way to the line with a superb Kristian Perry try.

Quins fought back and after choosing to kick a penalty into touch, instead of at goal, they reaped the reward when Craig Cox was driven over the line. Sheppard converted.

Blackwood though regained control when Sean Emery cut through and scored in the corner that made the score 10-16 at half time.

Quins started the second half well, with Darren Gibbs winning good line out ball and after a Blackwood indiscretion, Sheppard closed the gap with another penalty.

Unfortunately, for them, that was the last time they troubled the scorers. A ten-minute purple patch from the visitors killed the game with a pair of long range tries by Owen Williams, sandwiching one by David James.

Emmanuelli converted two of them and suddenly Blackwood were comfortable at 13-35. The next 20 minutes were spent in midfield as both sides realised the game was over.

The final word went to Blackwood as Greg Davies made the most of a Quins mistake to run in under the posts for the final try.

In testing conditions Crumlin put in a highly professional performance running in six tries to defeat Usk by 37-7.

With a brace of tries from Greg Haines and a man of the match performance from Chris Pearce, Crumlin always looked in control, although Usk themselves kept going right until the end and were rewarded with a try of their own.

Crumlin's forwards in particular looked impressive right throughout the game and Crumlin look well set for a promotion push.