New Panteg RFC 19 vs 10 Cwmbran RFC

A Friday night friendly against our local neighbours, maybe not the result we were looking for.

7 - 0 (6 mins)

The Crows got off to a slow start quickly going behind as New Panteg off loaded to one of their backs, receiving the ball at pace, he raced down the right, scoring to put them in front.

12 - 0 (12 Mins)

New Panteg extended their lead with a similar move , offload, receive at pace and race down the wing to score in the corner.

The Crows then started to get into the game, gaining more possession and pressing the New Panteg line on a number of occasions, but with the referee keen to penalise them for handling errors, they failed to turn the opportunities into points.

19 - 0 (32 Mins)

Maybe against the run of play, New Panteg extended their lead further, a driving run, a missed tackle of the five metre line and over for their third try.

19 - 0 Half Time Score

The Crows started the second half with purpose.

19 - 5 (48 Mins)

A driving lineout stopped before the New Panteg line, Crows pick and go repeatedly to the right of the ruck, with the defenders struggling to regain their position, TJ Kenneally secures the ball and takes it left to score in the corner.

The Crows dominated both possession and territory in the final 20 minutes, trying to repeat the success that led to their first try, but it was very much like ground hog day.

Jacob Kinnear would secure lineout, pack form and drive, New Panteg defense hold their line for two or three phases sealing or spoiling the ruck to slow it down, then getting the rub of the green with the referees decisions and able to kick or run clear. Then Crows secure ball and repeat.

19 - 10 (80 Mins)

Crows again perform pick and go routine from the ruck, as New Panteg try to disrupt, the Crows switch it out to the backs and it is quickly passed across the field from right hand corner for Luca Natale to score in the left hand corner. Probably the best play of the day.

19 - 10 Full Time Score

A game of two halves with New Panteg doing all the damage in the first half and defending well in the second half to hold out for a deserved victory.

Cwmbran RFC a bit slow out of the blocks had the majority of possession and territory in the second half but the New Panteg determined defense and maybe a few frenzied attacks and some line fever restricted the points tally.

A few lessons learnt and something to work on in training next week as we prepare for the new season