Fixture

It was a rest from the rigours of league rugby this week as New Panteg travelled to Abergavenny in the second round of the National League bowl competition. A rest however could not be further from the truth as Panteg came up against a very big and experienced unit who themselves are unbeaten in a higher league. Still shorn of many regular starters, the situation worsened when last week’s man of the match Lloyd Jackson was injured in the warm up. Despite this Panteg tore into their opponents from the outset and with a little more composure should have crossed 3 times in the opening 10 minutes. All they had to show for their possession and territory was a solitary penalty from fly half Bury. The much larger home packs tactics soon became obvious as they strangled Panteg at the set piece, forcing them to concede numerous penalties. This set the tone for the match and soon the brave defensive line was breached by a well worked score from the hosts which was easily converted. Panteg were trying to play with the little ball they had and this led to Abergavenny’s second try from a handling error. A dropped catch was hacked up field and expertly collected for a further converted try.

In spite of playing up a considerable slope in the second period, New Panteg found some reserves of energy and brought themselves back into contention with the try of the match. Decoy runners off Bury confused the Abergavenny defence and blindside winger Silver took a perfect pass to run untouched beneath the posts.  There were moments when Panteg had chances to level the match but in the end experience and organisation won the day as Abergavenny took the game away from the visitors with a well-deserved third try.

The Man of Steel award was given to flanker Cory Felton whose work-rate and tackle count throughout the match was incredible.