Fixture

New Panteg continued their winning start to the season after making eight changes to the starting line up from the previous game, with an unconvincing with against a tough Malpas outfit. The game was one way traffic in the first half as Malpas were penalised with monotonous regularity, allowing fly half Alex Gwatkin to slot three excellent penalties for a nine point advantage. Pressure on the visitors forced a turnover and Tai Natthaphong gathered on halfway and outpaced the covering defence for the first try. This was easily converted by Gwatkin for a halftime lead of sixteen to nil.

The second period saw a reversal of fortunes as the dominant scrum of Malpas was becoming more of a significant factor. Malpas slotted a penalty before they capitalised on a lazy defensive line to score in the corner. After sustained pressure on the New Panteg line the referee deemed a penalty try was the order of the day and Malpas drew to within one point. However New Panteg refused to panic and kicked deep into Malpas territory where they were forced to play high risk rugby with only seconds remaining. The Malpas fly half tried desperately to run the ball from behind his own try line but good defence resulted in a fumble and an easy touchdown for Gwatkin. Gwatkin converted for a personal haul of eighteen points and his second man of the match award in as many weeks. Second row Malcolm Jones in his first appearance in a New Panteg jersey was highlighted by the coaches as the stand out forward on the day for his dominant line out display and leadership qualities.

With such a large squad it is going to take a few more games yet before New Panteg find any consistency but the coaches are pleased still to be winning, albeit ugly. Next week New Panteg travel to Newport HSOB in the WRU bowl when undoubtedly there will be further changes to the matchday fifteen.