Fixture

New Panteg travelled the short distance to near neighbours West Mon for the localist of derbies in the opening fixture of the league season. West Mon are a far more robust and resilient outfit now than they have been in previous years and they proved this in the opening moments when they split New Panteg's usually tight defence to score a converted try. This was followed by a penalty for the hosts and with their set piece dominating things were looking ominous for the visitors. However New Panteg settled into the pace of the game and narrowed the deficit with an excellent try from new captain Dai Trigger Smith. This was converted by Alex Gwatkin and he also goaled three difficult penalties to give New Panteg the lead at the interval.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

The weather was atrocious throughout the game making handling for both teams challenging but New Panteg gained good field possesion early in the second half and Liam Bailey charged over from a driving lineout. New Panteg were now pressing for a score to take the game away from West Mon but a stray pass was intercepted by the home fullback to run a full sixty metres to narrow the score to three points. Fly half Gwatkin changed tactics in the torrential rain and kicked for flying wingman Tai Natthaphong to score two brilliant tries using his blistering pace and fabulous footwork. Constant indiscretions at the breakdown by New Panteg saw penalties landed at regular intervals for West Mon and they scored the final one on the stroke of full time to earn a well deserved losing bonus point.

New Panteg were well pleased to come away with maximum points from their opening game but the coaches will be keen to tighten up in certain areas at training this week. Alex Gwatkin was named as man of the match due to his game management and impeccable kicking from both hand and tee.