2010-2011 Season.

Saturday 15th Jan 2011

Cwmcarn United 7 New Panteg 52

New Panteg travelled to basement club Cwmcarn United fully expecting to continue their winning start to the New Year. The home teams inability to raise a front row led to New Panteg's coaches making a few hasty changes to the published line up. Young front rower Gareth Smith was drafted in to add pace to the New Panteg pack and he soon made his presence felt. From the kick off he immediately carried the ball into the Cwmcarn centres to set New Panteg up with a penalty in front of the posts which was duly converted by fly half Luke Brown. New Panteg’s next attack was rewarded with a drop goal from top scorer Brown as it became clear that captain Whatley’s orders were to get all available points on the board at the start of the game. Brilliant interplay from both forwards and backs led to the games first try scored by winger Tim Atkinson. Further tries followed in the first half centre Hymann and another for Atkinson. Forwards Smith, Rowley and Scrum half Brunsdon being the stand out players of the half giving a score of 20 – 0 to the visitors.

An injury to Rowley lead to the introduction of veteran and new signing Mark Parry to the New Panteg line at half time but New Panteg skipper Whatley demanded the team continue where they had left off. They again started the stronger, but the first score of the second half went to the home team. Lazy defending lead to Cwmcarn scoring an easy try with a kick ahead, which was duly converted. This was the spur that New Panteg needed to get them back into the try scoring mode they had threatened in the first half. Excellent driving and interlink play by the pack with prop Smith at the forefront lead to another try for winger Atkinson. New Panteg’s dominance lead to further tries for Number 8 Davies, winger Buffin and outside half Brown to make the final score New Panteg 52 Cwmcarn United 7.

 Head coach Nigel Barry said that whilst he was pleased with the result further hard work had to be carried out in training to achieve this performance on a regular basis with more demanding fixtures on the horizon.

               New Panteg Athletic 14 West Mon 0

New Panteg's second string entertained local neighbours West Mon in very difficult conditions,and initially the rugby was as dour as the weather. West Mon were defending stoutly at the breakdown, denying the hosts any quality ball. Despite enjoying the lions share of possesion New Panteg were frustrated at not being able to break through a solid defensive line. The half ended scoreless and it looked increasingly like the match would finish in stalemate but intense home pressure finally paid dividends. Flanker Starmore broke through some tired tackles to score beneath the posts and captain Parry added the extras. Replacement prop Rob Young scored a copycat score to extend the lead with Parry slotting an easy conversion. The game ended with a less than convincing victory but the coaching staff will be pleased at some stand out performances. Young winger Sam Seabourne should surely push for a first team place and lock Adam Stone looked back to his best.

                     Saturday 08th Jan 2011

                     New Panteg 20 Hollybush 0

There was a collective sigh of relief from both teams as they were able to take the field after many weeks of inactivity due to the extreme weather. Despite their lowly league position Hollybush proved to be worthy adversaries, and were soon on the ascendancy with some powerful forward surges. The home side were having difficulties in the scrum but it was from a retreating set piece that inspirational number eight Chris Barnes picked up and ran to the blindside. The ball was quickly transferred to winger Buffin who scorched down the touchline for the opening score. Stand-in captain Luke Brown missed the conversion but soon added a penalty to increase the lead allowing New Panteg to take an interval lead of 8 – 0.

The hosts started the second half in fine style with centre partners Leighton and Baker breaking the gain line at will. A fine handling movement saw the prolific Buffin cross for his second try to put New Panteg firmly in control. Replacement fullback Lewis scored a third try with the best move of the match. Fine angles of running saw him crash over beneath the posts to take New Panteg out of sight and within touching distance of the elusive bonus point try. To their credit Hollybush refused to roll over and finished the match the stronger denying New Panteg any further scores. A special mention must be given to the excellent referee from North Wales who officiated with authority, common sense and good humour throughout. 

                    New Panteg 18 St Julian’s 10

In a game played in dour conditions New Panteg still endeavoured to play extensive rugby from the first whistle and were exceptional in the opening 20 minutes. The visitors barely had a touch as New Panteg’s phase play was proving difficult to defend against. Numerous indiscretions gave Luke Brown the opportunity to slot over 4 penalties for a 12 point lead. The host’s inability to maintain this high intensity allowed St Julian’s a foothold on the game and they scored a well deserved converted try on the stroke of half time to reduce the arrears.

St Julian’s were a different proposition in the second half as they dominated possession; however their continued ill discipline at the ruck saw them concede two more kickable penalties which Brown slotted with ease. Forwards Dale Price, Chris Barnes and new signing Gareth Smith were putting in tremendous defensive efforts which allowed St Julian’s only one penalty score in second half. In a game they initially looked like winning with ease, New Panteg were relieved to take the points against a spirited and committed Newport outfit.

Thursday 04th November

Chepstow 19 New Panteg 20

After a few weeks of mediocre performances New Panteg finally played to their full potential in defeating division four high-fliers Chepstow in an enthralling encounter. The match was played in gale force wind conditions throughout, which initially favoured the home team. They used these elements intelligently to open up a twelve point lead with two well executed tries. Despite the two league gap between the sides, New Panteg matched their hosts in every facet of the game. The front row of Evans, Whatley and James were giving a solid platform for the backline, ably supported by boiler-house pairing of Stone and Bond who were exceptional in both tight and loose play. Robust defence in midfield by Mustoe forced a turnover, allowing fly half Brown to kick and chase fifty metres for a try he converted himself taking New Panteg into the interval only five points in arrears.

Having a large travelling squad New Panteg made several changes and this soon paid dividends when replacement prop Matt James powered over supported by his rampaging pack for the equalising score. Brown converted coolly from wide out despite the ball blowing off his kicking tee and having to be rapidly replaced. Brown was being given an armchair ride by his exceptional young half back partner Jackson playing his first senior game and he soon added to his tally with a well struck penalty kick. Chepstow showed their obvious quality to retake the lead with a seven pointer after some powerful runs and slick handling. With only two points separating the sides Brown slotted a sublime forty metre drop goal to give New Panteg a lead they looked in little danger of relinquishing.

The coaching staff are hopeful that this match will act as a catalyst for the rest of the season after some baffling and frustrating games recently. New Panteg proved with this performance that they have the ability and belief within the squad to compete at a higher level.

Saturday 30th October

                    New Panteg 20 Monmouth 14

New Panteg were mightily relieved to progress to the next round of the Ivor Jones Cup after a flattering last minute win against a determined and well drilled Monmouth team. The match was delayed for 45 minutes when the designated referee failed to arrive and a replacement was speedily found. This delay seemed to affect the home side more as they conceded a try in the opening minutes after some excellent phase play from the visitors. Monmouth also added two penalties to take an 11 point lead before New Panteg reduced the deficit with a Luke Brown penalty for a half time score of 11 – 3.

Monmouth stretched their lead at the start of the second period with a further penalty before Luke Brown slotted a superb drop goal to keep the hosts in touch. New Panteg were finally gaining some useful possession with boiler house pair Stone and Bevan to the fore. A scrum against the head resulted in New Panteg’s opening try when multiple phases of play saw Monmouth finally running out of defenders allowing Stone to crash over beneath the posts for a seven pointer.

With just one point separating the sides and with time running out it seemed inevitable that New Panteg would be dumped out of the cup at the first hurdle. However centre Mark Leighton had other ideas as he crashed through five would-be tacklers before handing a pass to supporting back-rower Rob Davies to score a last minute try. Luke Brown slotted the conversion and New Panteg played out a nervy last few seconds to secure an unlikely win. Monmouth would have been bitterly disappointed, knowing this was a match that they could have and should have won.

                      Saturday 23rd October

Crickhowell 18 New Panteg 17

The curse of the passive scrums was the undoing of New Panteg for the second time in the last few weeks as hosts Crickhowell opted for uncontested scrums from the start of the match. Indiscipline cost New Panteg dear as the home sides excellent kicker slotted over six penalties, this coupled with robust defence gave Crickhowell a worthy win.

The visitors did manage the only tries of the match. Firstly when scrum half Luke Brown scurried through a gap before rounding the full back with an excellent side-step. Then in the dying minutes with the game already lost, center Mark Leighton broke clear before giving a sublime pass to fullback Richard Lewis to score wide out. Brown converted from the touchline and New Panteg had to be contented with a losing bonus point.

                   Saturday 16th October 

              New Panteg 23 Whitehead 18

Saturday 09th Oct

                      New Panteg 18 Usk 39

With this cup fixture giving New Panteg a rest from the rigours of the league campaign, the coaches made numerous changes to the regular line up. However this strategy backfired as the team produced an inept and lacklustre performance, gifting Usk a place in the next round. Usk opted for passive scrums from the start negating any dominance the home side would have gained from their ever reliable set-piece. Usk scored two early tries through weak tackling and New Panteg were already playing catch up rugby. Two penalties by stand in captain Luke Brown kept the hosts in touch before Usk extended their lead with a further try. On the brink of half time New Panteg moved the ball swiftly to winger Keiron Mogford who sprinted 50 metres to score in the corner to give a half time score of 11 – 17.

It didn’t get much better for New Panteg in the second half as Usk continued to control possession, never allowing New Panteg a foothold on the match. With the game already lost, prop Scott Roley crashed over for a try capping an impressive display, and was recognised as one of only a few players to emerge with any credit from this match. The only positives that could be taken from this game were the number of fringe players who were given the opportunity to push for selection for next weeks league game home to Whiteheads.

Saturday 02nd Oct

New Panteg 10 Hafodyrynys 55

New Panteg were handed a harsh lesson in open running rugby by a rampant Hafodyrynys side. Hafod ran in tries from all parts of the field through their pacey backline even though New Panteg enjoyed parity up front. The home side had no answer to the slick passing and fine running angles of Hafod's three quarters but to their credit their heads did not drop.

Due to players unavailability New Panteg could not name any backs on the subs bench, and this situation worsened when both centres were forced to leave the field through injury. With two flankers forced to play out of position in midfield Hafod took full advantage. New Panteg did however score the last try of the match through Tim Atkinson to gain some consolation, but were soundly beaten.

Although disappointed to lose to such a big margin New Panteg can take some solace in the fact that Hafodyrynys could probably survive quite easily in a league two or three divisions higher. Flanker Alun Taylor was named man of the match for his tireless defensive display.

Next week New Panteg entertain division five Usk in the Swalec Bowl.

                          Saturday 25th Sept

St Josephs 10 New Panteg 23

New Panteg were relieved to travel home from Newport with a victory after a hard fought game with a determined St Josephs outfit in what was often a fractious affair, with the referee issuing five yellow cards and one red. New Panteg took an early lead through a Mark Reed penalty and a drop goal before fullback Rob Baldock finished off a fine passing move to score the opening try. The home side reduced the deficit on the stroke of halftime with a well struck penalty to make it 11 – 3 at the break.
St Joseph’s started the second period the stronger and scored a try beneath the posts within minutes of the re-start. New Panteg were then reduced to thirteen men through two yellow cards and all the play was with St Josephs but resolute defence managed to keep them at bay. No 8 Dale Price then put some daylight between the two sides when he bulldozed his way over the try line from a scrum 25 metres out. Leading try scorer Tim Atkinson then added a third try after a fine chip and chase to score wide out and Mark Reed capped a fine display by superbly landing the conversion.
The win maintained New Panteg’s unbeaten start to the season, but they are under no illusions that this record will be severely tested with the visit of champions and table toppers Hafodyrynys next week. New Panteg Athletic put in another spirited performance in beating Girlings 24 – 12.

Saturday 18th Sept

New Panteg 49 Cwmcarn United 9

Winning ways continued for New Panteg as they easily dispatched Cwmcarn United 49 – 9 in their division 6 South East encounter. Luke Brown enjoyed his best game so far at outside half and he was the catalyst of everything positive by the home side finishing the afternoon with a personal haul of 24 points. Wing Tim Atkinson was irrepressible with the ball in hand and he powered over for two tries and scrum half Chris Brunsdon added a third. With the game already won by half time New Panteg were hoping for an avalanche of points but were being increasingly frustrated by the referee from Swansea who repeatedly blew his whistle, not allowing any continuity of play.
Three more tries were scored in the second half, two by number eight and man of the match, Rob Davies. He was industrious throughout and thoroughly deserved his rewards of two touchdowns. Brown completed the trouncing by scoring wide out with the last play of the game. The coaches were satisfied with the bonus point win but recognised that the score-line should have been much higher.

Despite missing numerous players New Panteg Athletic played out a hard fought match with Abersychan before finally yielding 16 points to 9.

Saturday 11th Sept

                    Hollybush 0 New Panteg 34
New Panteg secured their second league win in two outings when they comprehensively defeated Hollybush 34 - 0. The foundations were laid early on when the home sides scrum was catapulted back at every opportunity. Scrum half Chris Brunsdon was being given an armchair ride by his forwards and he responded by dictating the game. Wing Craig Buffin opened the scoring, strolling over after a searing break and deft pass by Brunsdon. Opposite wing Tim Atkinson scored a second soon afterwards, both converted by Luke Brown who also added two penalties for a 20 - 0 halftime score.
Playing up the slope and against the wind, New Panteg were not so fluent as in the first half but were still enjoying the lion's share of possession. It was only resolute defence by Hollybush that kept the scoreline respectable and this defence creaked to allow Brunsdon to score a third, again converted by Brown. With time running out New Panteg were desperately searching for a bonus point score. The introduction of player coach Darren Colcombe proved to be a master stroke. With his first touch he sliced through the defence and gave a sublime scoring pass to Atkinson for the all important score. Brown converted superbly from the touchline to cap a brilliant kicking display and send New Panteg to the top of the table.
On what proved to be a red letter day for New Panteg, the club fielded a second team for the first time in many years. They succeeded in routing local neighbours West Mon 54 - 0 in a ten try demolition.

Saturday 04th Sept

New Panteg 13 Rogerstone 12

This first game of the new league campaign was always going to be a tight encounter after last seasons two close tussles, and that was exactly how it panned out. Rogerstone started the brighter with their heavy pack supplying quality possession and this soon resulted in the opening try. New Panteg finally came to life and put together some excellent passages of play, with forwards and backs combining intelligently. Luke Brown making his debut at outside half reduced the deficit with a well struck penalty before a superbly executed backs move saw the hosts take the lead. Fine interplay and angles of running saw Rob Baldock put fellow centre Mark Reed over under the posts for Brown to convert. With forwards Chris Barnes, Alun Taylor and captain Leigh Whatley tearing into Rogerstone at every opportunity, New Panteg took a deserved 10 - 5 lead into the break.

Within minutes of the restart Rogerstone put together the move of the match to score a length of the field score to re-take the lead. Two nasty looking injuries to scrum half Neil Davies and fullback Alex Maddocks put New Panteg on the back foot and the visitors looked like adding to their lead. Only determined defence kept Rogerstone at bay and New Panteg were soon to benefit by an error from Rogerstones scrum half. He attempted to steal the ball from an attacking scrum but the referee deemed the ball to be still at the no. 8's feet. Luke Brown nerveless penalty from a difficult angle gave New Panteg a one point advantage.

This set up a frantic final few minutes with Rogerstone camped on the home sides try line. They had a succession of scrums and penalties that they chose to run. Heroic defence saw numerous players held up over the line before much to the relief of players and supporters alike, the referee blew the final whistle. Credit must go to both sides for the effort they put in, in what was sometimes a brutal affair.

Wednesday 01st Sept

New Panteg Athletic 46 Tongwynlais 17

After many seasons in the wilderness New Panteg now look capable of putting a Second XV on the field which was highlighted by this eight try mauling of visitors Tongwynlais. Numerous new signings along with some youth players were given a run out on a warm September evening and the handling of both backs and forwards was superb, this resulted in four tries in quick succession. Tongwynlais decided the New Panteg scrummage was far too strong and opted to go passive. This tactical move allowed them some quality possession and briefly got them back into the match with three tries of their own but this was short lived. Superior fitness and cohesion saw New Panteg double their try count and run out comfortable winners. Man of the match was wingman Rossi who ran in three superb tries and tackled with the strength of a man twice his size.

2009-2010. 

With no league or cup fixtures, New Panteg travelled to Usk for a friendly with the luxury of resting some key players prior to some important upcoming games. There were starting places for some under played squad members who had an opportunity to impress the watching coaching staff. In perfect playing conditions it was the home team who started the stronger and scored a try in the first few minutes against a strangely lethargic New Panteg. It was the visitors intention to run the ball at every opportunity which proved fruitful for their first score. Outside half Dan Lloyd collected a pass deep in his own 22 and unleashed his backs who put fullback Chris Baker into space to complete a sweeping 80 metre score. Usk hit back almost immediately with a further try before Baker added a second after a slick pass from winger Buffin. Veteran centre Adrian Parry ghosted past his opposite number to score a superb solo try to give his team the advantage at the break. With the New Panteg scrummage demolishing their opposite numbers, Usk decided passive scrums would be the safer option, thus denying New Panteg their most potent attacking weapon.

The second period saw a more dominant display from New Panteg which resulted in further scores from wingers Buffin and Atkinson, and a comfortable victory seemed assured and the coaches felt secure enough to make eight substitutions. However the ever competitive Usk side had other ideas and competed robustly for every ball and tackled ferociously. They finished much the stronger of the two side and were rewarded with two late well worked consolation tries which gave the score-line a great deal of respectability. The game was played in tremendous spirit throughout and refereed excellently, which restored New Panteg’s faith in officialdom. Despite recent lack of game time, there were good performances from Craig Weaver, Mark Rowley, Simon Bowles and Dai Coleman, proving there is good strength in the large squad.

Saturday 10th April 2010

Rogerstone 23 New Panteg 20

It was agreed by both teams that this fixture was ruined by an inept and over officious referee who gave numerous inexplicably penalties which denied any continuity of play. He attempted to be a comedian during his pre-match talk and completed the job on the playing field.

However there was some rugby played and Rogerstone were probably just worth their win. The home side were on the scoresheet first with a penalty only for New Panteg to hit back with a well worked try. Mark Leighton playing out of position at no.8 due to many players being unavailable, powered through three tacklers to score a try which fullback Chris Baker converted. The referee then gave a dubious penalty try to Rogerstone when the visitors were deemed not to have retreated 10 metres from a quick tap penalty, giving a half time score of 10 - 7.

Chris Baker levelled the scores with a penalty before the move of the match from the New Panteg backs resulted in a 70 metre score. Dan Lloyd released his backline who linked up with Mark Leighton. He ran with pace and balance before he fed wing Craig Buffin with a perfectly weighted pass who scored wide out. Chris Baker converted superbly from the touchline.

This seemed to fire up the home side who soon tied the score after some fine phase play. Chris Baker nudged New Panteg into the lead with yet another penalty from the referee who's arms were surely getting tired from their constant extension. There was still time for the excellent Rogerstone place-kicker to fire home two long range penalties to steal the points.

Tuesday 06th April 2010.
Ivor Jones Cup Semi Final.

Monmouth Druids 0 New Panteg 17

New Panteg travelled to Welsh border town Monmouth for this Ivor Jones Cup last four encounter and were delighted to progress to the final after a hard fought and often bruising meeting. The home side started with a game plan of tight rolling mauls, which proved to be effective and difficult for New Panteg to defend against. However the visitors were enjoying dominance in the scrum with Evans, Whatley and Bosanko putting their opposite numbers on a constant back-foot. With little to separate both sides, it was looking to be a low scoring match of two evenly contested opponents, especially when both teams missed relatively easy penalty chances. The game finally sprang into life when prolific scorer Alex Maddocks made a searing break at centre from inside his own half. His pace and strength took him up to the full back and last line of defence, who he rounded with imperious ease for a score beneath the uprights. Fullback Chris Baker, who was faultless all evening both in attack and defence, easily slotted the extras. Despite an increasing amount of possession, it was proving difficult for New Panteg to break down the resolute Monmouth defence and the half finished with a slender seven-point lead.

With the slope and breeze in their favour Monmouth must have been confident of dominating the second period but it was the away team who got out of the starting blocks the quicker. Industrious flanker Rhys Jones magnificently retrieved the high hanging restart from Dan Lloyd. After coming up agonisingly short of the try line the referee penalised a Monmouth infringement for Chris Baker to fire over the three points and give New Panteg some breathing space. Now with time running out and playing catch-up rugby, Monmouth were forced to attack at every opportunity and it was only organised defending, particularly from Bowles and Chaney in midfield, that kept out some stylish, probing attacks. It was indeed from one of the host’s attacks that New Panteg made the game safe. Monmouth lost possession deep into New Panteg territory when they spilled a ball to Chris Baker. His inch perfect chip ahead bounced kindly for replacement wing Tim Atkinson, who gathered on halfway and cantered unopposed under the posts for a seven-pointer.

With the game safe New Panteg’s coaching team unleashed their entire strong bench into the fray, including a completely new front row. They proceeded to gain the bragging rights over the starting three by taking the first scrum against the head, much to the annoyance of their replaced team mates. In ever decreasing light, the referee brought proceedings to an end and the score-line was probably an accurate reflection on the game. Monmouth will however be disappointed not to have got on the score sheet despite displaying some fine attacking intentions all evening.

Saturday 27th March 2010

St Julians 0 New Panteg 40

With conditions perfect for running rugby New Panteg clashed with St Julians and were confident of repeating their bonus point victory of earlier in the season. However with 35 minutes on the clock this seemed to be a distant possibility as the home side playing against a stiff breeze monopolised possession and dominated the set piece. Finally when good territory was achieved and quality off the top lineout ball was won, a simple miss pass in midfield allowed centre Alex Maddocks to stroll over under the posts. Chris Baker converted to give the visitors an undeserved seven-point half time lead, with the prospect of playing into the elements for the second half.
Whatever the coaching staff said at the interval certainly did the trick, as New Panteg emerged a different side from the lethargic, error-strewn outfit of the first forty minutes. From the kick off New Panteg camped in the oppositions 22, and from an improving scrum, captain Iain Bevan powered over for a second converted score. With the possession statistics almost a complete opposite of the first half, New Panteg were enjoying plenty of good quality ball, which they used to great effect. A slick passing move from the backline saw Maddocks notch another try, soon followed by the try of the match when fine interplay from Baker,  Bowles and Atkinson put supporting runner Mike Bond over in the corner for the all important bonus point score.
The home side were now visibly wilting, and it was beginning to look like a damage limitation exercise for the Newport outfit. New Panteg were running the ball at every opportunity and it was superb broken field running from Maddocks that resulted in two more tries and a personal haul of four. There were stand out performances from locks Deri Bevan and Adam Stone, flanker Bond and scrum half Brunsdon, but man of the match had to be awarded to try machine Maddocks. It was also great boost for the club to see the return to action of captain Neil Davies after a serious injury, who played the final ten minutes without any reactions.
With the business end of the season now upon us, New Panteg must maintain this winning mentality as much sterner tests lie ahead in the coming weeks. They still have to entertain table toppers Caerleon and Hafodyrynys and have to travel to Rogerstone in what will probably be a straight fight for third place. There is also the semi final, and hopefully the final of the district cup to play for, so competition within the squad for places will be considerable.

Saturday 13th March 10

Saturday 6th March 2010.

New Panteg 52 Hollybush 0

New Panteg continued their recent good form with a clinical eight try dismantling of league strugglers Hollybush. In what was often an ill-tempered contest, the home side were superb with ball in hand, running the visitors ragged all afternoon. Hollybush were competitive in the scrum but offered precious little else in attack and resorted to rough house tactics to try to unsettle their hosts. The referee from Bridgend was excellent all afternoon, keeping the game flowing and only showing two cards where a weaker referee would have struggled.

Centre Alex Maddocks returned to the starting line up after a long lay off and was first on the score sheet, powering through despairing tackles to score early on. The pressure on Hollybush was relentless and resulted in further tries for lock Deri Bevan and winger Craig Buffin all converted by fullback Chris Baker for a half time lead of 21 nil.

Despite their healthy lead New Panteg upped the tempo to an even greater degree in the second half, and after a flowing handling move, the ball was passed to supporting scrum half Chris Brunsdon who sprinted 40 meters for the bonus point score. With all the play taking place in the Hollybush half it was inevitable that more scores would come, and they did in abundance. Fly half Dan Lloyd skipped over under the post, Maddocks kicked and chased for his second, and Craig Buffin raced over for tries seven and eight and a personal hatrick.

Head Coach Nigel Barry said it was hard to criticise his team after seeing them score over fifty points but said with improved handling from some of his pack, the winning margin would have been even greater. However he was again delighted that the opposition were denied any points at all for the second consecutive league match.

Saturday 20th February