Fixture

New Panteg will be celebrating over the festive period as they maintained their position at the top of the tree at Christmas with a convincing away victory at Whiteheads. Initially the hosts gave New Panteg a frosty reception as they dominated the set pieces with their heavier forwards but they visibly wilted as the game progressed. The teams exchanged penalty presents before  Seabourne finished a slick handling move, making a turkey of the attempted defence, goose stepping over for a score in the corner. The three wise men of Hamer, Gardner and Smith in the back row were magnificent as a unit, blitzen their opposition all game. The jumpers Wills and Bailey were equally effective, putting in a joyful shift behind the puddings Gibbons and Walker who despite being under pressure were still unwrapping Whiteheads defence with some powerful carries. Even though the scrum was constantly retreating the Grinch Dan Warren made merry, pinching a few against the head to frustrate the hosts.

The second half saw the introduction of the messiah Jonny Coleman in the front row and a Christmas miracle occurred.  New Panteg’s scrums were now in the ascendancy and Santa’s little helper Winstone scampered over from scrum half for a second score and Gwatkin mistletoed the extra’s. Carter was orchestrating the party in midfield along with Gibbs who was Boxing clever all day giving sugar plum fairy Natthaphong the chance to fill his stocking. Full back Bury was having a fine game before the effects of burning the candle at both ends saw him leave the fray.  Scrooge who was in charge with the whistle deemed that 5 New Panteg players were placed on the naughty list and we finished the game reduced to 12 merry men which frankincensed the coaching staff.

Glad tidings at the final whistle saw the visitors rejoicing over a 21 – 3 victory denying Whiteheads any gifts despite being reduced in numbers. Bailey was decorated with the man of the match award which could easily have been garlanded on any of the heroic squad on the day. The endeavours of the day left everyone Christmas crackered but the squad will need to recover quickly if they hope to halt the snowball of a seventh successive defeat against the Past on Boxing Day.

Seasons Greetings !!