Fixture

The goal at the start of the season was promotion to the next tier and victory away to Trinant who had their own promotion aspirations would realise this ambition. The Troggs started with more urgency and were on the scoreboard early with a converted try but this was soon cancelled out by a slick backline movement which resulted in Munro scoring the equaliser. A collapsed scrum saw the referee give a penalty try to the hosts despite no previous warnings and Panteg were again chasing the game. Gwatkin chipped in with a penalty before Bury scored his customary try to give the visitors the lead for the first time. Trinant reverted to their robust forward orientated plan and this soon proved fruitful as they crossed for their third score and again regained the lead. With so much at stake in this game it was heartening for the big contingent of supporters to see the young Panteg side show huge courage and determination in turning the game on its head. Gwatkin was kicking immaculately and added two further penalties before greater fitness proved the deciding factor as firstly Gardner crossed for a score before Natthaphong sealed the win with a bonus point score. Not for the first time this season second row Liam Bailey was awarded the Man of Steel for a flawless and inspirational display.

The coaches have to be congratulated for instilling the structures and values into this team which have resulted in a huge turn around in fortunes in a relatively short time. Trigger our rousing and motivational skipper must also share in the credit and we all sincerely hope that he will don the jersey again next season in the higher division. It is hugely encouraging that these achievements have come with the only incentives offered to the players being the pride to wear the jersey. We congratulate Whiteheads on winning a very competitive league and look forward to again locking horns next season.