News

New Panteg Steelers took the field for only the third time this season against a fully loaded Crickhowell 1st team, in this Ivor Jones Cup semi final fixture. With huge player restraints and restrictions placed on the Steelers selection through archaic District rules, the extended squad was tested to its fullest capacity. But with rugby spirit and ethos to the fore, the coaching team magically fielded a highly competitive squad, who competed toe to toe with their opponents, with great heart and character shown all game.

Crick opened the scoring with a well struck penalty in difficult standing conditions, before a fantastic backs move saw the Steelers take the lead. The ball was fed quickly to speedster Davies to dash over unopposed. The young referee, aided enthusiastically and regularly by his touch judges, weren't sympathetic to the challenging playing conditions.

This resulted in a plethora of penalties, mostly against a bemused Steelers team, and the excellent visiting kicker benefited. He goaled a further 3 penalties, along with a conversion of a well worked try. Davies reduced the arrears with a penalty of his own, but a 8 - 19 scoreline would be difficult to claw back in deteriorating conditions.

The Steelers showed incredible metal in the second half, upping the physical intensity to rock their opponents.

Unfortunately the only scores were a penalty apiece, despite intense pressure on the Crickhowell line. The stop-start nature of the game, resulted in the officials calling time on proceedings 15 minutes early due to the deteriorating light. We wish Crickhowell all the best in luck and spirit for the final.

Captain Joe Young was a popular choice as Man of the Match, for his outstanding leadership from the front. Joe hasn't had a huge amount of game time this season, but his contribution to the club has been invaluable.