WWRU Supercup

Skewen Ladies 22 Penybanc Panthers 0

After a month of no action the Panthers kick-started their Supercup campaign with the toughest of tasks, facing the current Premiership champions Skewen.

While the hosts were depleted due to Six Nations duty, the Panthers found themselves short of three girls three girls representing the Scarlets U18s and Hannah Jones, who made her international debut against Scotland, but had fallen victim to tonsillitis.

With a full strength squad, the Panthers would have faced a stern challenge but they showed their depth with a good account of themselves which saw them going down 22-0 at the final whistle.

The young visitors gave as good as they got during the first period as play went from end to end and the first clear chance going the Panthers way only for the key pass to stray just out of grasp.

An interception by Skewen set up a fine opening try for the hosts which was converted on 11 minutes.

The Panthers’ confidence grew thanks to the forward leadership of Danielle Jenkins and Chloe Davies who made huge inroads every time they carried the ball.

However, another unforced error saw the home winger run in for her second try to earn the hosts a 12-0 half-time lead.

The teams returned to the field to wind, hail and driving rain, and a handling error from the visitors saw Skewen crossing the line for a third touchdown within a minute of the restart.

The Panthers refused to let their heads drop and looked to run the ball at every opportunity while the set piece - now a stronghold in the Panthers armoury - served them well and saw them claiming a series of scrums against the head.

With outside-half Jodie Williams marshalling the backs, the visitors looked to attack the home defence but errors on the final phase cost them dear.

With the conditions fast becoming unbearable, the Skewen prop broke a string of tackles to cross for the final score.

Panthers coach Hywel Thomas said: “I am so proud of this young team. We came here today not knowing how we would muster against the experience and physicality of a very well-drilled skewen side but we did more than hold our own.

“Skewen are Premiership champions and we are Division Two champs so the future looks very bright. “

The games don’t get any easier as the Panthers face Premiership runners up Whitland next Sunday in the Newsquest Cup, sponsored by the South Wales Guardian and the Western Telegraph (KO 2.30pm).