Victorious return after shaky start (From Free Press Series)

Victorious return after shaky start

New Panteg Youth 3 Croesyceiliog Youth 43

Croesyceiliog appeared rusty from a lack of match practice, in their first game for five weeks, but were the first to score through a scrappy try by Ieuan Mustow playing at scrum-half for the first time. Jo Healy converted the try.

New Panteg enjoyed a fair share of possession, as Croesyceiliog conceded numerous penalties, but Croeyceiliog always looked the most likely to score, and a second try came through prop Craig Treadgold following some good forward handling. Jo Healy again converted to give Croesyceiliog a 14-0 lead.

New Panteg then managed to put some pressure on the Croesyceiliog line, with a succession of penalties, and only some strong tackling prevented a try. Unfortunately again Croesyceiliog conceded another penalty on their own 22 metre line. The penalty kick was converted to make the score 14-3

This appeared to spur Croesyceiliog into action and good linking between forwards and backs followed. This ultimately led to a third try scored by flanker Carl Taylor. Half-time followed shortly afterwards with the score 19-3 in Croesyceiliogs favour.

Croesyceiliog continued to dominate in the second half, although New Panteg, to their credit, never gave up trying. Croesyceiliog however were too strong in the pack and flanker Greg Watkins capped an impressive performance with an unconverted try. Despite never really getting into top gear, and using all their replacements, other tries followed by No. 8 Owen Morgan, winger Jo Healy and replacement wing Drew McGhee. Jo Healy converted two of these tries to complete a final score of New Panteg Youth 3 Croesyceiliog Youth 43.

It was nice for Croesyceiliog to welcome Simon Jones their Captain back for only his second league game of a season wrecked by injury, but unfortunately centre Rhys Watkins was injured and must be rated as doubtful for the return fixture at Woodland Road on Friday, March 17.

New Panteg 64 Cwmbran 5

NEW PANTEG under-15s stormed into the final of the Gwent Cup recently with a convincing win over Cwmbran, setting up a challenging tie with holders Abergavenny.

In the last group match of the competition, Panteg pinned Cwmbran inside their own 22 for much of the opening exchanges with quality ball being fed to Nathan Davies at number ten who played the corners well. Domination of the lineout with several early steals led to sores from John Sutcliffe at 15 and two from Jordan Hillier at 11.

Flanker Llwydd Groves then finished after some fine driving mauls. With Panteg controlling both the set piece and loose ball, Cwmbran struggled to get a foothold in the game. Two fine tries for wing Ban Willoughby followed by one for centre Darrel Moyle were capped off by six successful conversions by Jordan Hillier to leave the score at 46-0 at half time. But with the wind at their back Cwmbran showed their metal by battling hard up front.

Panteg, now struggling to kick out of defence, instead began to roll mauls and run from their own half, picking up tries for centres Darrel Moyle and Nathan Harris. Winger Ieuan Bury finished with aplomb for the final try and another Hillier conversion topped a fine team effort.