NEW PANTEG 20  GWERNYFED 17

Gwernyfed visited unbeaten New Panteg in the cup and played a massive role in a pulsating match only decided by the last play of the game.

The visitors had been the only side to take points off the table toppers all season with a 25 all draw at home in the season opener in September and were the first on the scoresheet when outstanding number eight Kyle Davies powered over for fullback Scott Pritchard to convert.

The home side were very solid in all departments, winning good lineout ball and possessing a strong scrum which was equally matched by the visitors. Cellan Skyrme found his men Andrew Norris and Sam Stephens with ease all afternoon and good handling was also a feature of both sides in a very physical game in which defences were also rock solid. 

On twenty minutes, the Gwernyfed line was finally breached as right winger Bury touched down wide out for a well converted try. An exchange of penalties saw the half time score tied at 10 all.

The large crowd, including WRU President Terry Cobner, was bolstered by so many other local matches being off and were treated to a great game in the second half, a half where the neutral would say was dominated by the visitors. 

On a rare visit New Panteg took the lead as speedy left winger Gomez touched down. Gwernyfed finding themselves down battled back evergreen outside half Gareth Dodd's outstanding marshalling his backs - making breaks and kicking to touch for huge gains. The home defence desperately defended the line as props Cellan Skyrme and Prys Eckley made powerful yards. Prys, a new signing, is proving to be a real asset to the Greens and following in the footsteps of a great club servant father Stuart.

Dodds sparked a blind side move and slick handling by the backs  put no.8 Davies over the line in the corner, however, the referee disallowing any try as the ball was deemed held up. Again it was all Gwernyfed and as injury time lengthened they battered the home defence and finally substitute Will Eckley taking a good line crashed over to tie the scores. A composed conversion saw the lead taken 17-15.

With a couple of minutes left a bit of quick thinking by the home flyhalf saw a quickly taken kick off regathered and linking well a try was almost scored before a penalty was awarded to New Panteg. The home eight opted for a scrum and were held out by Gwernyfed before the ball was finally whipped across the line for  left winger Gomez to slide over under a pile of bodies. After consultation with the touch judge, the try was awarded, much to the delight of the home club but agony to the visitors the final score 20- 17 to New Panteg.

A massive effort by the Gwernyfed side, all 20 players who took the field - 5 injuries and walking wounded the result of a great physical battle. Both clubs should be very proud of those who wear their badge presently. For Gwernyfed, disappointment on the day, but a lot of positives going forward  now in the league and with a large squad of 50 players at the moment in the senior set up will be very confident of success as the season progresses.