New Panteg RFC - 10

ABERGAVENNY RFC are through to the next round of the Swalec Cup following a tough win against a well-drilled New Panteg outfit.

Aber’s front row consisted of Nathan Harris, Jay Adams, and Rob Lothian. In the second row Chris Williams returned to partner Nathan Thomas. The back row remained unchanged with Dan Beavan and Rhys Dawe flanking number eight and captain Josh Davies.

Lewis Evans and Rhod Webster formed a new half back combination, and Matt Sevenoaks was joined in the centre by Antony Squires. Josh Parr remained at full back with Lloyd holder and Sam Vaughan having their first starts on the wings.

From the kick-off Aber were immediately under pressure from a New Panteg side who kept the ball well through numerous phases and asked many questions of the home defence.

Ten minutes of turing the screw worked and the visitors were eventually rewarded with a penalty and a well deserved three points.

Abergavenny upped the ante, with their forwards dominating the set piece. Eventually they took the lead with a close range try by captain Josh Davies, converted by Josh Parr.

Aber increased their lead when a loose ball in midfield was kicked through and collect by Antony who scored under the posts, converted by Parr to give Abergavenny a 13-3 half time lead .

New Panteg began the second-half with a bang and a well executed try to make it game on at 14-10 .

Aber rung the changes with replacements Rhob Connick, Matt Charles and Ieuan James entering the fray.

A penalty increased Aber’s lead to 17-10 and forward drives from Chris Williams and Josh Davies enabled flanker Rhys Dawe to storm over for a converted try to stretch the lead.

Replacement forwards Joe Symonds and Dan Anstey both carried strongly in an effort to increase the lead but it was to no avail and the game finished on 22-10.

Next week the first team are away to Machen and the Quins are at home. Why not pop along and lend your voice to the support.