Fixture

With the inclement weather decimating all the other league fixtures, New Panteg had the opportunity of regaining top spot with a victory at Crickhowell.  It was surprising when the hosts traipsed out former Premiership player of the year Damien Hudd and a healthy splattering of other higher tier players permitted in for the day. Gwatkin slotted two early penalties for Panteg which were matched by his opposite number in a tight start to proceedings. The visitors then found their rhythm after a lengthy autumn international layoff and started playing with a tempo that Crickhowell were finding difficult to counter. Evergreen flanker Walters found a gap in the home defence and galloped over from 30 metres for a deserved score goaled by Gwatkin and relentless pressure soon resulted in the try of the game. Mesmerising footwork from centre Collins saw him leave several hapless defenders floundering in his wake and he looked like he would cross untouched for a try. However a last ditch tackle brought him down inches from the line but fullback Bury ran a brilliant supporting line to score beneath the posts. Gwatkin easily added the extras and Panteg were in a commanding lead, but Crickhowell had too much experience in their ranks to lie down. Crickhowell scored two tries to get themselves back into the game and the nerves seemed to be affecting Panteg’s decision making at crucial times. However Bailey at lock who was captaining the side in the absence of their usual skipper galvanised his team with another inspirational display and he was relishing his battle with hard man Hudd. Number 8 Curtis Griffiths was having a huge carrying game making yards all over the pitch and he was the grateful recipient of a loose kick to touch. He set off on another barnstorming run skittling defenders for fun, and a trademark one handed offload saw fellow backrower Hamer stroll over for a great score. Crickhowell scored again to make it a nervy finish but Panteg held on for the victory that puts them at the top of the table and still unbeaten this season.

This was a performance of prodigious character with some truly stand out performances across the park. Silver at scrum half who is normally a winger was impressive after coming into the side at very short notice as was the entire back row. Young and Bailey in the boiler house were certainly not overawed by their prestigious opponents and the front row were solid all afternoon. However the Man of Steel award was given to Collins for his excellent defensive display coupled with enormous attacking prowess which troubled Crickhowell all day.