Fixture

This was a hugely important fixture for both teams as second place played third, New Panteg were hoping to keep the pressure on top spot and maintain their unbeaten record whilst Trinant were desperate to close the gap on the promotion places. Trinant were as expected big and robust but the young Panteg outfit more than matched them physically and the fine weather allowed them the opportunity to play their expansive game. Captain Smith returning from injury was imperious all afternoon showing a fine example to all his charges and he was instrumental in the opening score. He turned over a Trinant ruck and the ball was quickly transferred to speedster Munro on the wing who dashed over wide out. Gwatkin kicked the most difficult of conversions and during the course of the game passed 100 points for the season, showing how important he is to the team and their bid for promotion.  Trinant finally came to terms with the pace of the game and managed a good period of possession and territory and this resulted in a well worked score on the stroke of halftime.

With only 2 points between the teams this game looked like it could go either way but whatever the Panteg coaches said at the interval should be replicated at every game. On bonfire weekend the second half started with fireworks from the hosts who crossed for three tries in the opening 5 minutes to put the game out of Trinant’s reach. Second row Dan Young showed incredible pace to finish off a superb handling move between backs and forwards before his boiler-house buddy Liam Bailey added a similar score. It is commonly known that Panteg possess frightening pace in the three quarters but the mobility of the pack is a massive reason they are still undefeated in the league this campaign. Sprinter Lewis Hinwood outpaced some despairing defenders to score the all-important bonus point try before Munro added to his tally pouncing on a loose ball to scamper from the halfway. Gwatkin kicked his fourth conversion to give Panteg a very comfortable buffer and the game was well and truly won. The Troggs however showed their mettle as Panteg switched off in the dying minutes and crossed for the last two tries to put some respectability on the score sheet.

This win is enormously satisfying for the coaches as Panteg finally managed the bonus point win they have been promising from good positions. This was a well drilled and organised Trinant outfit who will be difficult to beat, so the maximum points may prove invaluable at the end of the season. There were fine performances across the team but after some deliberation, Dan Young was awarded the Man of Steel award for his magnificent defensive qualities and his work-rate with ball in hand.