News

New Panteg took their first ever tentative steps into the rigours of Division 3 rugby, when they entertained the much lauded and accomplished Nantyglo squad. A large watching contingent, at the newly developed and resplendent arena, were treated to a highly competitive and entertaining encounter.

From the outset both teams went toe to toe, with no quarter asked nor given. The visitors talented half back partnership created gaps early on for their pacey three-quarters to exploit. However the lighter and fitter home team extinguished any threats, covering swathes of ground with lung bursting efforts.

Tegs possession stats were high, but with the lineout failing to function early doors, the scoreboard wasn't threatened until the final minutes of the first half. Bury slotted a routine penalty after a discretion from Nantyglo before he doubled the lead with a booming kick from halfway to go into the break.

The second period saw Tegs pre-season fitness conditioning achieve fruition, as they stretched their tiring visitors with constant expansive play. The set-piece was also working well now, with front rowers Scott, Wakely and Beale looking comfortable against bigger and heavier opponents. Tegs tactics of moving the ball quickly soon payed dividends, as a long passage of play tested Glo's defence to the max. Second row Young's barnstorming run had the cover in disarray, and when the ball was transferred to hooker Wakely on the charge, he cantered over for the opening score. Bury added the conversion to put some daylight between the teams, and confidence was soaring. The workrate of backrowers Cooke, Chapman and Gardner coupled with Glynn was exceptional and the pressure exerted resulted in a turnover and a fabulous score. From deep inside their own 22, Tegs backline had the conviction to move the ball wide. Centres Bowles and James, who were imperious all afternoon, combined to release Bury and the supporting Gomez. A few deft passes and kicks saw a length of the field play finished by Bury, who easily added the extras. The pace of Tegs wide men, Bury, Gomez and Davies was a constant thorn in Nantyglo's side, and the game was all but won. Teg emptied their bench and Nantyglo showed their spirit as they scored a converted try of their own late on to give a small glimmer of hope. Bury smothered this ambition with two further penalties, and a personal haul of 21 points.

The coaches deliberated long and hard over the Man of the Match award, with Bury's name obviously to the fore. Jones who is converting to fly half, is an exciting prospect with a huge future. However scrum half Winstone was given the accolade, for a commanding display with ball in hand, his kicking prowess and for leading the defence by example.

A massive appreciation to Nantyglo for a game played in fabulous spirits, and for showing their class by leaving the changing room immaculate.