2011-2011 Season.
Saturday 04th Sept
New Panteg 13 Rogerstone 12
This first game of the new league campaign was always going to be a close 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.
2009/2010 Division 6 South East statistics:
Played 18 Won 10 Drew 0 Lost 8
Point For 418 Points Against 307
Tries For 59 Tries Against 40
Points 50
Saturday 24th April.
New Panteg 10 Hafodyrynys 45
Report to follow shortly.
Saturday 17th April.
Usk Seconds 27 New Panteg 32
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
New Panteg 30 Gwernyfed Athletic 7
New Panteg progressed to the semi final of the Ivor Jones Cup with a stuttering error strewn performance against a determined Gwernyfed team. It all started quite promisingly for the home side, when good interplay from centres Chaney and Leighton saw the latter cross for the opening score. This was soon followed with a wonderful solo try from Leighton, who ran with great balance and power to score beneath the posts leaving numerous would be defenders in his wake. The conversion was goaled by outside half Lloyd but this was to be as good as it got as poor decision-making ruined any continuity of play. The referee was a significant factor in what was mostly a dour encounter, with his pedantic portrayal of the laws and his apparent refusal to play advantage for either side.
With a half time lead of 12 nil and the advantage of the slight slope and breeze, New Panteg could have expected an easy second half but Gwernyfed had other ideas. From the kick off the visitors showed great enterprise, running the ball from deep in their 22. The ball was swiftly moved wide and kicked and gathered for a superb converted score to reduce the deficit. Two penalties from Maddocks increased New Panteg’s fragile lead before an interception try from replacement winger Atkinson gave the hosts some breathing space. Despite being starved of any worthwhile possession Gwernyfed endeavoured to move the ball wide at every opportunity and looked dangerous in doing so. Finally a slick move from New Panteg’s backline saw prolific winger Craig Buffin cross for his thirteenth try of the season to finally kill off the challenge of the gallant Gwernyfed outfit.
With much sterner challenges just around the corner New Panteg must look to iron out the mistakes and to employ their under used backs to a greater degree if they are to raise the cup again and finish in the top three league positions. The major highlight of the game however, was the man of the match performance of elder statesman Mike Bond, who was immense in both attack and defence all afternoon and must surely have given the selectors a nudge for future games.
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
Cwmcarn United 0 New Panteg 37
New Panteg visited basement club Cwmcarn United and came away with a comfortable six try victory against their lacklustre opponents. This was a must win match if New Panteg are going to fulfil their aspirations of a top three finish and they did not disappoint. The match started badly when centre Mark Leighton was helped from the field within the first minute with a leg injury but even in his absence the backline were making line breaks at will. It was however, the forwards who manufactured the opening try, when they powered over for a pushover try for captain and man of the match, Iain Bevan to score. Half backs Brunsdon and Lloyd were enjoying plentiful possession from their rampant pack with front three of Evans, Warren and Weaver dominating their opposite numbers from the first whistle. Possession was soon converted into points when debutant winger Kieran Mogford’s fine supporting run from the opposite wing saw him scamper over for a second try. Full back Chris Baker scored a third after a slick handling movement, and he also added a conversion and a penalty for a half time score of 20 – 0.
A huge score seemed inevitable as the home side were visibly wilting under the constant pressure. However New Panteg became frustrated with the constant whistling of the referee from West Wales and the game lacked any continuity. Scrum half Brunsdon scored the bonus point try, capitalising on a loose pass and Baker added the extras. Craig Buffin scored the games best try as he finished off a flowing backline move to score wide out. Bosanko and Whatley entered the fray in the front row but the results were the same. New Panteg finished the game as they started by pushing the home scrum over their own line for Bevan to flop over for his second try. With the home scrummage demoralised and a Cwmcarn player lying injured the referee ended the game early with the score at 37 – 0.
Head coach Nigel Barry said he was reasonably satisfied with the team’s performance and highlighted the line out and scrummage as areas of excellence. He was also pleased with the defensive efforts and discipline, which denied Cwmcarn of any points all afternoon.
Wednesday 03rd February
Cwmbran Athletic 5 New Panteg 5
With the Six Nations matches looming, New Panteg took up the challenge of local rivals Cwmbran with the intention of giving their fringe players and target signings a run out. Cwmbran playing down the slope started the stronger, camping in the visitors half for long periods but despite constant pressure could not breech the solid defence. New Panteg being led by David Evans for the first time, were impressive in the contact area creating numerous turnovers to frustrate the home side. Half backs Chris Brunsdon and local legend Adrian (Bill) Parry, kicked intelligently out of defence and tackled like demons. The collective effort of New Panteg resulted in the first half remaining scoreless despite having to defend for almost the whole 40 minutes.
Turning around with the considerable slope in their favour, confidence of a win was high but this was abated when a huge forward pass was missed by the otherwise excellent referee, allowing Cwmbran in for an unconverted score. New Panteg have continually shown great resolve this season and this was to be no different. Flankers Alan Taylor and Simon Bowles worked tirelessly at the breakdown allowing the backline superior ball from the first period. An imperious break from Bill Parry took him forty metres down field, before a beautiful weighted pass permitted the supporting number eight Rob Davies to score a wonderful try wide out. Parry narrowly failed with the conversion and the scene was set for an exciting finale.
With the scores locked, both sides pressed for the elusive winning score but were outdone when the referee wisely blew his whistle early after what seemed to be a serious injury to New Panteg’s winger Anthony Baker. The draw was a fair result and a true reflection on a bruising hard fought encounter. New Panteg’s coaches were pleased to see many players put up their hands for a place in the forthcoming league and cup fixtures.
Saturday 30th January
New Panteg 32 Whiteheads 10
This was a must win match for New Panteg if their aspirations of finishing in the top three positions was to be realised. This seemed to be a formality when full back Craig Buffin scored a try under the posts from a clever kick and chase after only two minutes. Alex Maddocks taking over the kicking duties due to injuries to Chris baker and Dan Lloyd easily added the extras. Any thoughts of a landslide were soon dispelled as Whiteheads played to their strengths using their heavy pack to keep possesion for long periods. This was rewarded when the visitors scrum half spotted a gap from a maul and scampered 30 metres for an excellent individual score. The fullback converted and also added a penalty to take a half time lead of 7- 10.
The coaches demanded that there must be a more expansive approach to the second half in order to move the heavier visiting forwards around the park. Within minutes this change of tactic proved fruitful when after a flowing backline movement winger Anthony Baker crossed unchallenged wide out to regain the lead. With Whiteheads now visably wilting it was only a matter of time before the lead was increased, and lock Deri Bevan duly obliged crashing over from a driving maul. Alex Maddocks struck a well timed penalty and New Panteg went on the hunt for a bonus point.
With only 5 minutes remaining the home side were attacking relentlessly and to their credit Whiteheads were refusing to give in. However the inevitable happened when the impressive backs conjured up a second try for Craig Buffin. This was soon followed by a brilliant individual effort from centre Mark Leighton converted by evergreen replacement David Imms.
The bonus point victory puts New Panteg back on track after the disappointment of losing to strugglers Crickhowell last week, and the coaches were pleased with the industrious performances of flankers Rhys Jones and Alan Taylor and from powerhouse prop Steve Bosanko.
Saturday 23rd January
Crickhowell 22 New Panteg 10.
After a period of inactivity both sides were pleased to be back playing again, but it was the home side who took the spoils. It looked initially that there would be a repeat of the corresponding fixture in September when New Panteg gained an emphatic bonus point victory. The visitors were soon ahead when centre Mark Leighton eluded four tacklers to score near the posts for Dan Lloyd to easily convert. More pressure from a dominant scrummage gave them a penalty beneath the uprights for what looked like a simple three points. However the penalty was quickly taken and the resulting ruck developed into a full scale punch up which saw prop David Evans yellow carded for inappropriate footwear.
Down to fourteen men New Panteg were forced onto the back foot and Crickhowell scored the first of their tries wide out after a period of sustained pressure. With a half time score of 5 - 7 New Panteg were confident of claiming the win, but a serious head injury to outside half Dan Lloyd disrupted the visitors. Firstly a charged down kick and then a dropped pass resulted in two converted scores for Crickhowell and both sides swapped a penalty each.
Crickhowell proved to be a more resiliant and abrasive outfit than when the two sides met earlier in the year and were deserving of their win. However New Panteg may have been guilty of complacency going into the game, something they must be wary of for the forthcoming fixtures.
Saturday 19th December
St Josephs 3 New Panteg 5
With the match being played on a surface akin to an ice rink, this was never going to be a high scoring encounter. Kick off was delayed for 20 minutes while the coaches discussed the merits of playing or not. Finally the green light was given to start the game in ever deceasing temperatures. The omens were bad for New Panteg when top try scorer Alex Maddocks was forced off in the opening minutes with a recurrence of a hamstring injury and winger Gareth Silk suffered a heavy blow from a high tackle. St Joseph’s opened the scoring with a well struck penalty after an indiscretion at a ruck and they continued to enjoy most of the possession in a scrappy first half. The visitors scrummage was again in destructive mood as they shunted their opponents back at every opportunity. Scrum half Andrew Bates was a constant threat with his sniping runs and slick distribution which kept St Josephs back row honest on their defensive line.
Harsh words from the coaches at half time resulted in a more urgent display in the second half. Possession was more abundant, and outside half Dan Lloyd was able to kick New Panteg into more dangerous areas of the field. Despite constant pressure in the final 20 minutes, New Panteg were finding any sort of score elusive. With two minutes left on the clock a powerful driving maul resulted in quick ball for the half backs. St Josephs were stretched in defence and when the ball was swiftly passed wide, fullback Craig Buffin strolled over wide out. The conversion was missed and there was still time for the home kicker to have a speculative drop at goal to sneak the points. Fortunately for New Panteg the kick hardly got off the ground, giving them the points and reversing the loss of the first game of the season. The win elevates New Panteg to third place in the league which is a realistic end of season finish given the dominance of the two higher placed teams.
Saturday 05th December
New Panteg 7 Rogerstone 8
New Panteg lost by a single point in this closely contested tussle of teams in third and fourth place respectively. Missing almost a full team through injury and unavailability the home sides squad was stretched to the limit. The atrocious weather conditions restricted both sides from playing any expansive rugby but it was Rogerstone who played the elements the better. The visitors much heavier pack played a controlled tight game and their halfbacks kicked for territory with great accuracy. It was a poor defensive kick from New Panteg that yielded the opening score. When touch was missed deep in the New Panteg 22, Rogerstone ran the ball back to score an unconverted try wide out.
Scrum half Rhys Gunter’s constant probing runs were New Panteg’s most potent weapon, and midway through the first half his half break resulted in putting Rogerstone on the back foot. The ball was swiftly recycled and passed quickly to center Mark Leighton who beat two tacklers to score near to the posts. Chris Baker made sure with the extra points to give New Panteg the lead.
Rogerstone had numerous penalty opportunities to regain the lead but treacherous ground conditions made kicking extremely difficult. Eventually the pressure told on the hosts who gave away a penalty in front of the posts and relinquished the lead. Rogerstone held onto this advantage comfortably for a deserved win and take the spoils, leaving New Panteg having to be satisfied with a losing bonus point.
Thursday 19th November 2009
Chepstow 24 New Panteg 12
With no weekend league fixtures due to the Autumn International Series, New Panteg took up the challenge of Division 4 Chepstow, in a mid-week friendly. Despite a two-league tier difference New Panteg competed admirably in what was a close fought contest. From the outset the visitor’s front row of Evans, Warren and Evans completely dominated their opposite numbers, shunting them back at every opportunity. However Chepstow showed how adept they are at playing on the back foot when they scored wide out after a slick passing movement from their pacy back line. Driven on by superlative skipper Iain Bevan, New Panteg were soon on level terms. Pressure on a home lineout resulted in a charge down score for flanker Rob Davies. With time running out in the first half Chepstow stole the lead with an unconverted try wide out after an impressive forward drive.
Trailing by only five points and with a strong wind at their backs New Panteg were confident of a major upset. Unfortunately for them Chepstow’s knowledge of the home conditions were to be their undoing. The home side changed tactics completely, keeping the ball in hand and setting up numerous phases of play. Forced into making an avalanche of tackles it was only a matter of time before the defences were breached. Two converted tries extended Chepstow’s lead, and more seemed inevitable. Yet it seems that New Panteg are made of sterner stuff this season and despite making a total of nine changes, they finished the stronger team. A powerful 30 meter driving maul from New Panteg resulted in a penalty in the opposition’s 22. This was taken quickly and passed to winger Mark Leighton who broke numerous tackles on his way to the try line. He unselfishly off loaded to supporting lock Adam Stone to touch down for the final score of a pulsating match, which Alex Maddocks converted.
Saturday 14th November 2009
Caerleon 20 New Panteg 9
New Panteg travelled to table toppers Caerleon hoping to extend their five match winning streak in the league but were out done by a strong, well drilled home side. Despite the terrible weather conditions both sides tried to play attractive rugby and Caerleon were soon on the score sheet with an early try. A defensive lapse at a ruck allowed a pick and drive score, which went unconverted. This was followed soon after by an almost identical score, which would have frustrated the New Panteg coaches. New Panteg tightened up their defence and gained some good possession. This was rewarded with three penalties, which gave a halftime score of 10 – 9.
The second period was always going to be difficult for New Panteg as they contended with a driving wind in their faces. Caerleon used the elements to their advantage scoring a further try after a period of sustained pressure. Trailing by six points New Panteg tried manfully for a winning score but were undone by a final Caerleon try in the dying minutes which denied them even a losing bonus point.
To finish on a positive note, it was great to see the return of three quarter Mark Leighton after a lengthy injury absence. Mark played the last 10 minutes on the wing and will surely add to the strength in depth in the backline.
Saturday October 24th
New Panteg 60 St. Julians 3
Number eight Rob Davies was in irrepressible form as he powered over for five tries in New Panteg’s 60 points to 3 romp over St Julians. New Panteg were dominant in all areas of play from the first whistle and were on the score sheet with the first of Davies tries within five minutes. St Julians replied with a penalty for an offside offence but that would be the last time they troubled the scorers.
With the home forwards becoming unmanageable for the visitors, possession was plentiful and being used intelligently by the young half backs of Price-Wood and Lloyd. The halftime score line read 20 points to 3 due to two Davies tries and one for pacy wing Buffin but it was during the second period that the floodgates would well and truly open.
Six more tries were scored in the second half through three more for Davies and one each for Atkinson, Price-Wood and Baker. The latter also contributing with six conversions and a penalty. This is the fifth consecutive league win for New Panteg which elevates them to third place in the league which is in stark contrast to the dark times of previous seasons.
Head coach Nigel Barry was extremely pleased with his players but still lambasted them for some selfish play, which if eradicated would have seen an even higher winning margin. Next week there is a break from the rigours of league rugby as New Panteg travel to Whiteheads for a Swalec Bowl clash.
Saturday 17th October 2009.
Hollybush 15 New Panteg 37
New Panteg continued their rise up the league table as they recorded an emphatic bonus point victory over Hollybush.
The team is now playing with a greater belief and tenacity than in the early season and this was testament as they notched up their fourth victory in a row. The forwards were ferocious from the start with Mike Williams and Adam Stone to the fore and stand in captain Deri Bevan leading by example. Their high tempo game soon yielded a trio of penalties, all superbly goaled by Chris Baker. The backline were proving to be a handful for the hosts and a quick handling movement saw Alex Maddocks cross for the first try of the afternoon. Baker continued with his immaculate kicking display, stroking the conversion over from the touchline. Hollybush reduced the deficit with a penalty and were pressing the Panteg line for a try of their own. However a loose pass was seized on by wing Tim Atkinson who kicked and gathered the ball for a length of the field score and a halftime lead of 23 – 3.
Outside half Dan Lloyd was replaced after suffering the after effects of a serious bout of flu and this seemed to upset New Panteg’s momentum. This allowed Hollybush far more possession which they converted into a try from a fine rolling maul. When Panteg finally secured some quality ball it was swiftly passed through the impressive midfield partnership of Bowles and Jones who found Maddocks in acres of space. He then rounded the fullback with imperious ease to score under the posts. To their credit Hollybush refused to give in and were rewarded with a converted try after a period of sustained pressure. With time running out man of the match Chris Baker took the ball at pace before chipping over the oncoming defence. He gathered his own kick brilliantly and gave a scoring pass to Maddocks to complete his hatrick and gain the important bonus point try and a sublime touchline conversion completed a 17 point personal haul.
There is now a great competition within the large squad for starting places and the players realise that they must impress the coaches in training and on match day to maintain their places in the squad.
Next Saturday New Panteg play hosts to St Julians in a league fixture.
October 10th 2009
Whiteheads 16 New Panteg 17.
New Panteg travelled to Whiteheads with a side much disrupted by injury and unavailability but still recorded their third league win on the trot.
Whiteheads opened the try scoring from a quick tap penalty when New Panteg’s defence switched off presuming there was to be a kick at goal. The conversion was missed but they were soon further in front from a penalty. The visitors reduced the deficit with a penalty of their own, only to fall further behind from a well worked try. Whiteheads secured good lineout ball and the scrum half’s deft overhead kick was gathered brilliantly in the in goal area for a 13 – 3 lead. It was beginning to look like a long hard afternoon for New Panteg but on the stroke of half time number 8 Rob Davies was on hand to support a fine move to crash over beneath the posts and Alex Maddocks added the extras.
Possession was much more abundant for New Panteg in the second half but Whiteheads opened a six point lead with a well struck drop goal. With the boiler house Bevan brother’s dominant in the loose good field position was plentiful. This soon paid dividends when Chris Brunsden forced his way over in the corner for an excellent score. Alex Maddocks was nerveless as he landed the conversion to put New Panteg 17 -16 in front. In the dying seconds Whiteheads were awarded a penalty when the visitor’s backs drifted offside but the kicker was off target with his attempt which would have snatched the points. The win lifts New Panteg into the top half of the table and confidence will be high for next weeks visit to Hollybush.
October 03rd 2009.
New Panteg 38 Cwmcarn United 20
For the second game in succession New Panteg dominated the opposition and came away with a bonus point victory. With the pack in particularly aggressive form, possession was in plentiful supply and it wasn’t long before the home sides right winger Gareth Silk crossed under the posts for the opening score. Dan Lloyd added the extras. Cwmcarn reduced the deficit with a penalty, before an injury to flanker Rhys Jones resulted in an early intervention of Gavin Evens from the bench. He wasted no time in catching the coach’s eye when he chased a loose ball from the Cwmcarn’s fly half’s mistake to touch down in the corner. With half time fast approaching there was just enough time for a trademark Craig Buffin score. The wing man raced fully 60 metres leaving defenders flailing in his wake for a superb seven pointer.
Trailing 19 – 3 at the break the visitors started the second half with increased vigour and scored wide out with an excellent backline move. This was brilliantly converted to inspire Cwmcarn to believe they could get themselves back into the contest. However New Panteg soon regained their composure and had a try bonus point in the bank when lock Deri Bevan crashed over after a strong forward drive. Alex Maddocks broke through his opposite centres for a fifth, before Matthew Kaye completed the home sides scoring in the corner after fine interplay with his fellow backs.
With the last play of the game Cwmcarn gave the score line some respectability with the games final try which was again well converted. New Panteg will be well pleased with the continual improvements that they are showing but will be disappointed that the score line was not even greater as many scoring opportunities were wasted.
Saturday 19th September 2009.
New Panteg 33 Crickhowell 17.
Early season mediocrity was replaced by an emphatic and clinical 15-man display in New Panteg’s resounding 33-17 league victory over Crickhowell. With harsh words from the coaches still ringing in their ears the home team took the field with a different mind-set from previous weeks.
From the first whistle Panteg tore into their opponents, driving them back at ruck and maul and creating abundant ball for the ever-dangerous backline. Hooker Lee Whatley was a catalyst for his forwards working tirelessly and new outside half Dan Lloyd dictated the game with his clever distribution and astute kicking game. Winger Craig Buffin soon benefited from the intensity of the match as the Panteg defence forced an error, which he pounced on to race in from 40 metres for the opening score. Soon afterwards hardworking lock Adam Stone ploughed over for a second, which was shortly followed by centre Matthew Jones debut try for the club. Jones showed great strength in handing his opposite number off, before touching down beneath the posts. Chris Baker converted two for a half time lead of 19 nil.
Talk of an easy bonus point win was instantly dismissed as Crickhowell came out fighting in the second half. An early converted score reduced the deficit to 12 points and New Panteg where unable to secure any possession for a full 20 minutes. With Crickhowell pressing for another score, a speculative defensive kick from Alex Maddocks somehow landed in the arms of Buffin a full 80 meters from the visitors try line. Buffin showed electric pace and deceptiveness as he set about on a mazy jinking run to score the try of the season so far.
New Panteg relaxed with a bonus point in the bag, which allowed Crickhowell to add to their try tally with a well worked driving maul, which was superbly converted from the touchline. However late on in the game the forwards and the backs combined magnificently to send Matthew Jones clear and his unselfish pass allowed Dan Lloyd to canter under the posts for his first senior try. To their immense credit Crickhowell refused to give in and were rewarded with the final try of the game after a deft chip and catch wide out.
The score line and performance represents a huge improvement over recent weeks with coaches Nigel Barry and Nigel Probert highlighting the ball retention and slick three-quarter play as particularly pleasing. However on the down side, scrum half and captain Neil Davies was stretchered off with a serious knee injury. The club wish him a speedy recovery.
05th Sept 2009 New Panteg 7 St Joseph's 19
27th Aug 2009- Usk 5 New Panteg 3.
New Panteg's second and final trial match saw them visit their division five neighbours Usk and they were disappointed to lose a close match that was there for the winning.
For the second match in succession New Panteg conceded an early try, a trait that must surely be addressed. However the visitors impressive pack soon asserted their authority and were running their hosts back at every scrum. This dominance soon resulted in a penalty which full back Chris Baker duly converted.
Evergreen player coach Iain Bevan was immense, leading by example for all his young pack to follow. Adam Stone Mike Williams and Rhys Jones were the pick of the forwards, showing pace, power and aggression.
The coaches used the opportunity to make thirteen changes throughout the game which hampered any continuity but was essential to give the large squad game time.
Fitness levels almost won the game for New Panteg who were camped in Usk's 22 for the final 25 minutes of the game. Two penalty kicks were squandered in front of the posts, something that could prove costly once the league fixtures commence.
Captain Neil Davies said he was delighted with the commitment and attitude of his players which bodes well for the forthcoming league campaign.
South Gower 15 New Panteg 24.
New Panteg travelled to South Gower for their first trial game of the season and came away with a well deserved victory.
After arriving late after a long bus journey the visitors started sluggishly and were soon behind to a converted try and a penalty. Chris Baker reduced the arrears with a well struck penalty but there was a further score for the Swansea side with a break-away kick and chase score. Trailing 15 - 3 New Panteg finally started playing some constructive phase rugby which soon paid dividends. Centre Alex Maddocks raced over for two converted tries, and the local referee awarded New Panteg a penalty try when a South Gower player held back a New Panteg attacker when a score was inevitable.
Coach Nigel Barry must be happy with the fitness levels and individual skills of his players but conceded that there was still a lot of hard work to be done. All of the large squad that travelled benifited from having significant game time, and special praise must be given to debutant flanker Rhys Jones who was named man of the match.