A dour first half failed to produce any try scoring chance for either side. Adding to the Panthers woes was an injury to star flanker Ant Williams which also disrupted their game. It was left to the boot of centre Raz McVeigh to convert 2 penalties against one from Nottinghamians for the Panther to lead 6 to 3 at half time.

The Panthers upped their game in the 2nd half and were dominant in the tight exchanges. After inserting pressure on the visitors scrum, flanker Dan Wooliscroft broke through to be tackled yards short only for John Childs to take the scoring pass. Instead of increasing the pressure, a missed tackle by Miller let in the visitors for a try.

After a talking to from captain Wellor, the pack powered on. 2nd row Scott Lester played his best game for the club and newcomer Harry Mytton was solid at scrum half. Barnett looked more at home at loose head prop and was ably supported in the scummaging by hooker Dernley and tighthead Coward.After a fine break by Childs, winger Miller was on hand to out pace the defence to score wide out to make up for his previous mistake.. Not to be outdone, centre McVeigh joined the party and crashed over after a fine break by fellow centre Senior. But the visitors would not lie down and die and scored another try wide out.

With 10 minutes left, the game was now on a knife edge with the Panthers leading 21 to 13. It was then that the Panthers played their “joker” with the introduction of their now veteran Welsh star Arwyn Morgan. His impact was immediate. After a loose kick by the visitors outside half, he gathered the ball on half way and set off on one of his trade mark solo runs. He brushed past and through tackle after tackle leaving 6 would be tacklers on the deck before un selfishly off loading short of the line to man of the match John Childs to score his 2nd try. Straight from the resultant kick off, he went on another rampaging run and only a knock on from new scrum half Mytton stopped another certain try scoring opportunity.

It was also worth noting that Rob Collins also played at full back.

There were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as the Panthers are in Round 5 for the first time in their history. The party went on deep into the night.

The Panthers next game is in the League next Saturday away to Derby
University k.o. 2.00pm