Pembroke RFC recently held a successful senior presentation evening at the Crickmaren clubhouse. The presentation was attended by the vast majority of the senior squad players, coaches and management. The evening started with Basil James, club chairman, welcoming all the players and most especially thanking the club main sponsor, Coastal Cottages, and equally all match day sponsors, who had been cordially invited to attend. A thank you was also extended to the ladies' section. An invite was extended to all sponsors in appreciation for their continued and most valued sponsorship, some of which had continued for many a long year. The 20013/14 season was one of the better seasons for the club in recent years. The First XV finished second in their league, with one of the highlights for the hardy band of supporters being the comfortable away win at Cefneithin. With Cefneithin sitting second and Pembroke third, the hardy travelling band of supporters who witnessed this match, as well as First XV coaches Geraint Lewis, Kyle Davies and manager Ken Small, agreed it was a great advert for Pembrokeshire rugby, and really showed what Pembroke are capable of if all players are available and injury free. The club were also able to regularly field a Second XV, playing in a very competitive league. The team played under the initial guidance of Max Hayward and then Ross Taylor, admirably assisted by Steve Phillips and Martin Alderman, who was able to offer valuable on and off field experience to the young second team players. In talking to other visiting teams and reviewing other Pembrokeshire sides, Pembroke were in a very small minority who were able to field a second team, irrespective of what league the First XVs played in. Pembroke will be playing in a newly-formed Division Three West next year, with the emphasis being on more local matches and local derbies. Pembroke are eagerly awaiting the start of the new season, which should bring larger crowds, more travelling supporters, more club house craic etc, and from a player point of view, less need to devote all Saturday and most of Saturday evening to rugby. The club has assembled a strong squad and competition for starting places will be even tougher next year as the Youth reached the final of the Youth Cup and a number of youth players now enter senior rugby. But if anyone is looking for a friendly club, playing local rugby, you could do far worse than make Pembroke your choice, both on and off the field; you will receive a hearty welcome. After what the coaches described as difficult choices, the recipients of the presentation evening awards were: 1st XV coach's player and players' payer of the year - Alex Wilks. Most improved - Shaun Willington. Clubman of the year - Max Hayward. Top try scorer - Dom Coleman. Try of the season - Sam Smith. 2nd XV players player of the year - Craig Kidney. Coach's player of the year - Tim Sharpe. Most improved - Calum Lewis.

R.L.H.