Abergavenny Youth 21 – 32 New Panteg Youth
New Panteg Youth underwent their fourth league game of the season at Bailey Park, on Saturday. Both sides played some very scrappy rugby in the first half, but New Panteg struck first with a penalty from full back Jago Mapp. Abergavenny scored early on, capitalising on an unusual error, which was duly converted. However, the visitors replied soon after from a penalty, with Owain Jones going over in the corner on the crash. New Panteg continued to apply the pressure on the home side’s defence and resulted in a try for winger Sam Seabourne. The visiting team played some very attractive rugby near the close of the first half, and scored their third try through speedster Lewis Hinwood, just before the break, which was successfully converted through a great effort by Mapp.
The home side opened the second half as they did the first by getting the first try. The visitors answered Abergavenny’s somewhat threatening attack by securing another try, this time through captain Lloyd Jackson, who had a good game overall, with the ball in hand. The home side scored their last points of the match, after a well-worked rolling maul went scrambling over the try line. This was a key strength that Abergavenny exploited throughout the encounter, taking their tally to 21 points. After some controversial refereeing, New Panteg saw their side depleted to just eleven players, but with a big effort and some very clever play, hooker Dan Coleman dived over the whitewash to claim New Panteg’s fifth try of the day, summing up a very pleasing performance for both coaches and players. Final result Abergavenny Youth 21 – 32 New Panteg Youth.
Saturday 1st November 2008.
Monmouth Youth 10 New Panteg Youth 25
New Panteg youth produced a much improved performance from the week before to outplay a much bigger side and come away with their second league win of the season. New Panteg started the game playing up the slope and against the wind and were pinned back on every occasion with the boot. Monmouth took the early lead with a scrambled try and conversion soon to be followed by a penalty. Wing Sam Seabourne crossed for the first of a hatrick of tries to leave the score at 10-5 to the hosts at the interval.
The visitors withstood everything Monmouth could offer and decided it was their turn to play some rugby, which they did to good effect. Capt Adam Stone led from the front as did hooker Sam Russell who was always in the thick of the action. With forwards and backs combining well it was both wingers who benefited from the team effort as Seabourne grabbed two more, and fellow wing Nathan Morgan playing his first youth match notched a brace.
New Panteg welcomed back Steve Bosanko to the fold on Saturday and showed what a valid contribution an older player can make amongst the young squad at New Panteg this season. This performance just goes to show the boys are more than capable of playing a brand of rugby that is not just entertaining but also very effective.
Saturday 18th October
New Panteg Youth 22 Merthyr Youth 0
New Panteg youth played host to a Merthyr development youth side and were delighted to come away with a comprehensive victory. Not being the bulkiest team, New Panteg we under coaches orders to avoid contact and move the ball wide at every opportunity. This proved fruitful after only ten minutes when a good forward platform followed by fine handling, resulted in speedster Sam Seabourne scoring wide out. Unfortunately an immobile referee struggled with the pace of the game and frustrated both teams with his constant whistle blowing.
Merthyr started the second half with the lion’s share of possession, but it was New Panteg who capitalised by using the ball more wisely. Captain Dave Sandalls was again outstanding, leading by example and crossing for two tries. Full back Nathan Touig capped another safe display with a try of his own, with Matthew Cummings adding a conversion.
The Coaches will be satisfied to take this form into the league encounters, but more pleased that all the squad had some much needed game time.
Saturday 13th September
Abergavenny Youth 12 New Panteg Youth 40
New Panteg made the trip to Bailey Park and despite missing a few players from the previous week, secured a comprehensive victory. The visitors took time to settle into the game, and Abergavenny were first on the scoreboard with a converted try.
This stung New Panteg into action and openside Rhys Wells ran in two tries both converted by Nathan Treadgold. Treadgold had a good day with the boot and also weighed in with his own try in the first half along with outside centre David Sandals who always looked dangerous with ball in hand.
Leading 26 -7 at the break New Panteg turned around to play up the slope and had to dig deep as Abergavenny lifted their game. New Panteg weathered the storm and workhorse Adam Stone crossed the line and David sandals grabbed his second, which was converted by Treadgold. Tom Brown and Owain Jones worked tirelessly in the tight and Nathan Edwards and Andrew Gunter tackled everything that moved behind.
A good weeks preparation is needed this week as the boys travel to Caldicot for their second league game of the season.
Saturday 6th September 2008
New Panteg Youth 17 Newport Saracens Youth 15
New Panteg defied the elements to play their first league game of the season and all the hard work done by the volunteers paid off as the boys hung on to take the spoils in a hard fought game.
New Panteg were made to defend at the beginning and tail end of the match as a strong Sarries side made all the running and were rewarded with an early penalty to take the lead. New Panteg worked their way into the game and quick ball from Ben Davies at the lineout allowed the pace of the backs to show what they could do as centre Dave Sandals crossed for an excellent first try which seemed to lift the boys. Straight after the restart outside half Nathan Treadgold ran in another score both converted by Matt Cummings.
Cummings extended the lead to 17-3 with a well struck penalty, which saw the Sarries lift their game and throw everything at New Panteg. Two tries in quick succession pulled the game to a two point deficit only for the Sarries kicker to slice his conversion agonisingly wide, giving New Panteg the league points.
This was a good squad performance and a lot of character was shown as captain Rhys Hoskins marshalled his troops well. The coaches hope this level of commitment continues and the boys keep up the hard work on the training field. 
New Panteg Youth Fixtures 2008/09.
League (L) Friendly (F) Cup (C).
06 Sept Newport Saracens Home (L)
13 Sept Abergavenny Away (F)
20 Sept Caldicot Away (L)
27 Sept Croesyceiliog Home (F)
11 Oct Cwmbran Away (F)
18 Oct Merthyr Home (F)
25 Oct Beaufort Home (L)
01 Nov Monmouth Away (L)
08 Nov Wales v South Africa K.O 14.30
14 Nov Wales v Canada K.O 19.30
15 Nov Brynmawr Home (L)
22 Nov Pontypridd Away (F)
Wales v New Zealand K.O 17.15
29 Nov Wales v Australia K.O 14.30
06 Dec Cwmbran Home (F)
13 Dec Talywain Away (L)
20 Dec Usk Away (L)
27 Dec Hartridge Home (L)
03 Jan Newport Saracens Away (L)
10 Jan Pontypridd Home (F)
17 Jan New Tredegar Away (F)
24 Jan Caldicot Home (L)
07 Feb Fleur de Lys Away (F)
08 Feb Scotland v Wales K.O 15.00
14 Feb Wales v England K.O 17.30
21 Feb Lydney Away (F)
27 Feb France v Wales K.O 21.00
28 Feb Fleur de Lys Home (F)
07 Mar Beaufort Away (L)
14 Mar Italy v Wales K.O 16.00
21 Mar Wales v Ireland K.O 17.30
28 Mar Monmouth Home (L)
04 Apr Brynmawr Away (L)
11 Apr Talywain Home (L)
18 Apr Usk Home (L)
25 Apr Hartridge Away (L)
16 May New Tredegar Home (F)
2007/2008 Season.
YOUTH PRESENTATION AWARDS 2008.
Player of the year- Owen Davies
Most promising player- Ian Manley
Clubman of the year- Gavin Evens
Chairmans award- Rhys Hosking
Coach's award- Paul Annetts
Next seasons captain- Rhys Hosking
Saturday 12th April.
New Panteg Youth 28 Abergavenny Youth 10.
It was a welcome return to winning ways for New Panteg after a lean spell of success in recent games. New Panteg took control of this match from the first whistle, and were soon in front from a Liam Nutt penalty kick. Rhys Wells was in sublime form at fullback and he finished off a sweeping attacking move to score in the corner. Constant pressure on the visitors soon resulted in another Nutt penalty and a halftime scoreline of 11-0.
Rhys Wells doubled his try count soon after the break after a jinking run and strong finish. Two more tries soon followed, firstly from number 8 Rhys Hosking and then a poachers try from flanker Peter Grimwood. With a 28 point lead the New Panteg coaches were able to bring on six replacements. This seemed to have a negative effect on the home team as Abergavenny scored two late consolation tries.
Special mention must be made to prop Adam Stone whose man of the match performance inspired those around him. A win in the final league match against Lydney would now result in a respectable mid table finish.
SATURDAY 29TH MARCH.
New Panteg Youth 0 Caldicot Youth 12
New Panteg youth entertained Caldicot in atrocious weather conditions in this league fixture. With the game being played in torrential rain and high winds, it was always going to be difficult to play constructive rugby. Caldicot's rolling maul was a perfect weapon in the conditions, and they scored early after a 15 metre surge. They sliced through a laboured New Panteg defence soon after scoring a coverted try to take a 12 point lead.
Turning around at half time, the home side had the strong wind firmly in their faces, making a comeback even more difficult. However the senior players rallied those around them, and tightened their defensive line. Owen Davies, Paul Annetts and Rhys Hosking making numerous tackles to deny any further scores from the visitors.
With 10 minutes still on the clock the referee decided that playing conditions had deteriorated so much that the game could not continue, and he called a halt to proceedings. Although there was disappointment with the result, New Panteg's coaches were pleased with the teams efforts and defensive exertions.
WEDNESDAY 26TH MARCH.
New Panteg Youth 0 Cwmbran Youth 35.
Despite what the scoreline suggests, this was a closely contested league encounter. New Panteg conceded home advantage because of a fixture build up, and played away at The Kings Head ground. Against a very big and well drilled Cwmbran outfit this was always going to be difficult for New Panteg against the league leaders.
New Panteg fielded a side containing four under 16's who all aquitted themselves superbly well in what was mostly defensive mode. Despite a constant supply of possession Cwmbran's talented backs were finding it difficult to break the defensive line. However pressure inevitably told, with Cwmbran crossing for the first of three first half tries. With a halftime scoreline of 21 - 0 and with Cwmbran playing down the considerable slope in the second half, a rout looked likely.
To the credit of every New Panteg squad member, they refused to buckle, defending heroically and only conceded a dubious 'crossing' try, and a length of the field interception when a New Panteg try seemed likely. Cwmbran's kicker enjoyed a 100% kicking success to contribute to a well deserved victory.