Fixture

After weeks of inactivity for both teams it was New Panteg who hit their stride immediately with a score straight off the training field. Decoy runners off pivot Gwatkin confused the home defence and blindside winger Reader cut like a hot knife through butter to score beneath the posts. This set the tone for the rest of the game as the visitors pack were supplying ample quality possession for the electric backline to create havoc. Both teams were helped with the excellent officiating by the young referee, who surely has a bright future ahead of him in the game. With confidence high Panteg ran the ball from all parts of the field and scored at regular intervals with Crumlin having no answer to the pace and handling ability on the day. Reader added a second, opposite winger Seabourne also crossed for two as did Gwatkin both centres Collins and Natthaphong bagged one apiece. However it was the performance of Bury at fullback that really caught the eye and gave him the Man of Steel accolade on the day. His pace and balanced running were a thorn in the side of the hosts all afternoon and he crossed for four majestic tries along with numerous assists. The forwards were finally rewarded for their sterling work when second row Bailey powered over for Panteg’s thirteenth try, nine of which were converted by Gwatkin for a personal haul of twenty eight points. Credit must be given to Crumlin who remained competitive all day and scored two tries including the last score of the game for some consolation.

New Panteg returned to the top of the table with only three games remaining and if they continue to play in this manner they will be a difficult team to defeat. Crumlin are the next opponents when they travel to New Panteg next week hoping for better fortunes this time around.