Fixture

New Panteg travelled the shortest of distances to neighbours West Mon for a clash of the two unbeaten sides in the league so something had to give. There was a large contingent at the Skew Fields to witness a highly anticipated encounter and they were treated to a hugely competitive meeting.  New Panteg started the game at a frantic pace and they were rewarded with an early penalty from Gwatkin to settle any nerves. Panteg’s pack was in imperious form running their opponents back at every scrum giving their talented backline a platform to gain the all-important field positions. West Mon were struggling for any possession in the early stages as the visitors played some intelligent phased rugby and this proved the catalyst for the opening try. After some quick recycling from a series of plays the hosts defence was stretched to breaking and slick handling from the three-quarters put young openside Cory Felton into space.  He showed exceptional pace and balance to firstly hit the gap and then easily round the last defender for a classy score. Gwatkin added the extras and soon slotted another penalty and he kicked majestically all afternoon for a 13 point lead. The front row of Bartlett, Gardner and Kennedy continued to give their counterparts a torrid time at the set piece ably supported by the boiler house pairing of Bailey and Young who were inspirational in both tight and loose play. With Panteg dominating possession it was not long before a second try was forthcoming and it was the smiling assassin Natthaphong at centre who was the recipient. Winstone at scrum half whipped a quick ball away from a ruck and Carter put his midfield partner Natthaphong through the smallest of gaps and once in open field he is rarely stopped. Gwatkin slotted the conversion and Panteg were 20 points up and a cricket score seemed a possibility but West Mon showed great resolve and upped their game considerably. West Mons outside half Baldock kicked a penalty for his team after a period of good possession and territory to reduce the arrears at the interval.

New Panteg maintained their position of strength in the second half as Gwatkin kicked two more towering penalties to extend the lead. West Mon are not quite the lions they aspire to be but neither are they the pussy cats of yesteryear and they started to play some robust rugby. The more direct approach of their bigger backline was proving a challenge for the visitors but excellent defence particularly from back rowers Smith and Walters kept the hosts at bay. Panteg were looking to add to their try tally running from deep at every opportunity with the pacey Fullback Bury the architect of these entertaining counter attacks. It was from one of these attacks that West Mon scored their solitary try when a score for New Panteg seemed a formality. Winger Munro only needed to draw the last defender and put fellow wide man Eveson through for a run in but home fullback Parry gambled on the interception and scampered under the post for a score he converted himself. With both teams making numerous changes the game lost some of its momentum and there were no further scores but Panteg will be delighted with five wins from five and a place at the top of the table.

The Man of Steel was awarded to tighthead Jordan Kennedy, not just for his destructive display at scrum time but his all-round performance in what was his best display yet in a New Panteg jersey.