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Well what a difference a week makes!

The pre-match team talk contained some very harsh words and honest home truths, and this seemed the catalyst for a transformation in performance. The intensity that New Panteg started this match was in stark contrast to previous weeks, and visitors Machen visibly struggled to cope.

Within minutes, a quick tap penalty stretched Machen's defence and number 8 Gardner extended over for a try. Bury slotted the conversion, before Teg added a rapid second. Ambition from the visitors saw them show enterprise from their own tryline. Unfortunately for them, a deft chip over Tegs advancing centres was collected by winger Davies who raced beneath the sticks. Any Machen attacks were continually thwarted by a robust defensive effort, usually led by boilerhouse pairing Chesse and Young. Another quick tapped penalty caught Machen off guard, and scrum half Winstone scampered over and Bury easily converted. Flanker Cook was commanding the tackle area and a typical turnover saw Teg flood downfield and centre Bowles capitalised on huge defensive gaps to score a bonus point try. Bury added the kick before Machen finally showed what a quality side they obviously are, by getting on the scoreboard with a try following intense pressure.

The ferocity of the first half lessoned in the second period and a steady flow of injuries tested Tegs squad to the fullest. Workhorse Chesse was driven over for a fifth Teg try, before fabulous interplay from the hosts back three of Nattaphong, Davies and Bury, put the latter in for a customary score. Machen showed great fortitude and stayed in the fight to the very end, scoring two fine tries of their own.

This was a hugely improved and impressive performance in all areas and the coaches named the front row of Scott, Wakely and Beale as joint players of the match. They excelled in both tight and loose play and defended heroically. The aspiration is to maintain this level of display, starting with a visit to Chepstow next Saturday.