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02 May 2024 / Club News

Newport Saracens 14 New Panteg 19

This eagerly awaited clash certainly didn't disappoint in terms of passion, entertainment and performance, despite the weather Gods frowning down again. The Earth's thermostat may be nudging upwards, but the Newport High School Old Boys pitch was wetter than an otters pocket. Regardless of the conditions, both teams were determined to play attractive rugby, and it was New Panteg who broke the deadlock in magnificent fashion. The large travelling contingent were treated to a contender for try of the season, as a huge Sarries clearance kick was gathered by winger Davies. With a kick to touch the easiest and expected option, Davies set out on an electric mazy run, beating defenders with ease. The support was perfect and the ball was moved wide. Jones, as per usual, timed a sublime pass to the grateful Gomez, whose sidestep mesmerised the last defender. Bury added the kick to the delight of the Teg faithful. He added another penalty kick to increase the lead, before Sarries changed tactics in the downpour, to their tried and tested pick and drive game. As in the previous encounter between the sides, this initially proved hugely effective, and a converted try was the outcome. The phenomenal workrate of Tegs backrow of MacLean, Chapman and Gardner soon thwarted this strategy and Teg took a slight advantage into the interval.
With Tegs half back pairing of Edmunds and James making clever and incisive decisions, good field position allowed Bury to slot two further penalties. The Sarries however showed why they are league leaders and cup champions, by storming back into proceedings with a deserved and well worked converted score. They were denied a further scoring opportunity, as centre Bowles timed a tackle to perfection, thumping his opponent and the ball to the deck for a turnover. The ball was transferred upfield, where James put a bit of daylight between the teams with a late penalty. It seemed that Teg only needed to manage the restart and put the ball off the paddock to win. However the slippery ball was fumbled and the official rightly gave a penalty for offside. The excellent Sarries pivot put the kick within 5 metres of the Teg tryline, and it was a heart in the mouth final minute. To say the Teg defence was heroic is an understatement, as to a man, they put their bodies on the line to thwart attack after attack. A forced knock on brought proceedings to an end, in a game that was a credit to two grassroots sides with genuine rugby ethics.
Sarries losing bonus point was enough for them to secure promotion, something that Teg hope to emulate in the coming weeks. This mammoth collective squad performance made it difficult for the coaching staff to name a solitary player of the match, and for that reason, the whole front five of Scott, Wakely, Deabreu, Young and Bailey got the nod. They fronted up fabulously at scrum time, in very difficult conditions, and effectively negated their counterparts massive driving lineout. Their defensive efforts against a big carrying Sarries outfit was immense.
Skipper Dan Scott made a special mention and gratitude to the hoards of supporters who turned out on an awful night, whose support is invaluable. This support will be needed more than ever in the final three games, starting with Gwernyfed at home on Saturday.

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