Fixture

A visit to Malpas is always treated with a certain amount of trepidation from New Panteg and the potential banana skin almost came to realisation on this occasion. Playing on the narrowest pitch in the league always poses problems for teams whose natural instincts are to move the ball wide and this was no exception on this instance. Penalties were swapped by both teams before outside half Collins took the direct route over his opposite number for Panteg’s first try, this was easily converted by Bury who hasn’t missed since deputising as goal kicker. With the midfield congestion making chances demanding both sides were unable to unshackle themselves from their arm wrestle encounter and a few yellow cards were brandished due to the frustration. By the interval there were no further scores and chances were of a premium so the visitors decided on a few changes of personel.

Almost instantly this decision proved lucrative as replacement scrum half Daley and winger Reader both crossed for excellent scores as New Panteg significantly upped the tempo. Bury continued with his impeccable kicking form of the last few games and a bonus point victory seemed a certainty with half an hour left to play. Unfortunately for the visitors Malpas had not read the script and after winning last week from a 21 point deficit they clawed their way back into the match. The Malpas scrum half who was exceptional all afternoon with his kicking and distribution powered over for two converted tries and there was only 7 points separating the teams. New Panteg were eventually relieved to hear the referee blow for full time and to be able to travel home with a win and four more points in their promotion challenge.

Dan Young in the back row picked up yet another Man of Steel award for his barnstorming display against much bigger opponents. There was surprising and welcome news on the return to the club as reports filtered through that Whiteheads had lost to basement club Beaufort and New Panteg had returned to the top of the table.