Fixture

This was an eagerly awaited encounter as both sides shared the spoils in the corresponding fixture earlier in the season but the biggest question was would the pitch be playable? Despite plenty of solid work by some hardy volunteers prior to the game there was still a lengthy debate minutes before kick off between the head coaches and the referee. Thankfully common sense prevailed and the game was under way in spite of some very heavy patches of ground. Trefil started the stronger of the two sides and for the opening minutes looked the more likely to get the opening score as they dominated possession and territory. However New Panteg held their defensive line admirably with loosehead Dom Gibbons at the forefront with a monumental tackle count denying the men of stone any gain line success. Panteg weathered the storm and started to mount some attacks of their own and regardless of the poor conditions continued to play with width. Relentless phase play soon opened up gaps in the visitors defence and beautifully balanced running and a fine dummy saw Bury canter over for an opening score. Shortly afterwards another slick handling move from the impressive backline saw Bury the beneficiary again, this time in the opposite corner. Both kicks from wide out proved too challenging for Gwatkin in what were difficult conditions from the tee on the day.

 Panteg’s tight five were putting tremendous pressure on their opposite numbers at every scrum and early in the second period Trefil who were low on reinforcements opted for passive scrums. Belying the adverse conditions Panteg sustained their expansive game which soon resulted in both wide men of Allcock and Reader finishing off two fine moves for tries, both converted by Gwatkin. With the bonus point in the bag and the game won New Panteg were guilty of taking their foot off the gas which allowed Trefil a score of their own. Despite a huge knock on the referee deemed there to be a pullback in the in goal area and gave a penalty try, much to the bemusement of the hosts.

With another win and a further try bonus point Panteg are continuing to do all they can to maintain the pressure at the top of the league and must endure to do so for the final four games. The Man of Steel award was shared between Gibbons at loosehead and fullback Bury the two stand-out performers of the day. Gibbons tight play was exceptional as usual but it was his work in the tackle area that caught the eye with numerous thumping hits. Bury ran with composure and poise on the heaviest of grounds and scored two imperious tries.