Crickhowell RFC - 23

New Panteg RFC - 25

WITH both Crickhowell and New Patneg having an enforced lay-off due to the Autumn Internationals, last Saturday’s clash at Parc Broyd turned out to be a thriller.

During their first few forays into Crickhowell territory it was easy to see why New Panteg are league leaders.

Their hard work soon resulted in a penalty which their accomplished kicker put squarely between the posts. Not to be outdone, five minutes later outside half Tom Keane replied with a penalty of his own. Further infringement by Crickhowell saw the visitors double their score with another three points. Once again Tom Keane paid back in kind.

Through speedy attack and good support play the visitors made inroads into the Crickhowell 22 but a try-saving tackle from Harry Summers thwarted their efforts.

The respite was short-lived. The ball was recycled and passed along the line for a converted try, which was shortly followed by another.

After the break Crick set about reducing the scoreline and were rewarded when a good passage of interplay saw Zach mills crossing the whitewash with Keane converting.

New Panteg increased their score with another try, this time unconverted.

With the clock ticking down for the home team, a kick ahead saw one of the visitors’ backs fail to secure the ball, and the speedy Josh cashed took the opportunity to kick ahead, gather, and score an unconverted try near the corner.

The game had a nail-biting finish when Harry Summers scored another unconverted try for the home team. New Panteg managed to withstand the renewed onslaught from the fired-up Crickhowell forwards as the whistle sounded and two points remained the difference.

The game was sponsored by Dai Penny and the match ball by Alan Jones. Next week sees Crick welcome Whiteheads to Parc Broyd (2.30pm).