Pembroke took on a full strength Milford Haven at a sunny, breezy Observatory ground last Saturday, in the second round of the WRU Bowl competition.

Despite their optimism going into the game after some good league performances, Pembroke could not match a well-drilled, enthusiastic and aggressive Milford outfit, who eventually won 34-3.

From the outset, Milford pressurised the Pembroke line. After seven minutes, from a Pembroke scrum, five metres out from their own line, Milford stole one against the head and their scrum-half broke left to feed number eight Wonnacott, who crashed over in the corner for an unconverted try.

Pembroke then exerted some pressure and after 12 minutes, moved into their opponents’ 22 metre area and forced a penalty, which was converted by fullback Luke Hartland.

Pembroke continued to attack for some time, but after some poor handling in the Milford 22, Milford gained possession and went the full length of the field, only to be denied by desperate Pembroke defence.

Milford maintained field position and continued to pressurise the visitors’ line, then after 24 minutes, after another Pembroke error in defence, Milford scored another unconverted try from loose play, to make it 10-3.

After another good attacking penalty kick into the corner by Pembroke outside-half Lewis Davies at the start of the second quarter, Pembroke failed to secure lineout possession and Milford cleared their lines.

Stalemate was evident for the rest of this quarter, with thrust and counter thrust by both sides, leaving the half-time score deservedly at 10-3 to the home side. Milford did, however, lose their stand-off just before the break, as he was yellow-carded for a very clumsy use of his hands.

Both teams made changes at the break and tested each other’s defences during the opening minutes of the second half. Milford were dominant in the loose, forcing a large number of turnovers through aggressive counter-rucking and near the end of the third quarter, the quick release of phase ball allowed their scrum-half to break through close defence and feed his winger who went over for their third try, which was converted.

Pembroke continued to produce a few phases of pressure of their own, but handling errors undermined their scoring opportunities.

At the start of the last quarter, Milford lost a prop to a yellow card and a further period of stalemate ensued.

Then five minutes into last quarter, Milford forced another turnover on the halfway line, which was moved wide quickly, allowing one of their back-row subs to sprint 50 metres down the touchline to score an excellent individual effort, which went unconverted.

Minutes later, Milford broke out of their own half, and after some good handling, set free their outside-half, who sprinted 40 metres to score another unconverted try out wide.

After 30 minutes of a very competitive second half, Milford struck again, breaking out of defence with forwards and backs handling, they punched a hole in the midfield and one of the forwards claimed the last, converted try of the half, to leave the final score at a very well deserved 34-3 to a well motivated, skilful and determined Milford outfit.

Pembroke’s scrum was the only real positive from the game, whilst they will reflect on some poor handling in attack, far too much possession being lost to turnovers to a very aggressive and committed Milford eight and missed opportunities to capitalise on their incursions into Milford territory.

After the game, the Pembroke coaches wished Milford success in the next round.

Under 16s

perform well

There was an excellent win for Pembroke U16s on Sunday, winning 26-5 away to Haverfordwest. The win was due to a great team effort from the whole squad, with forwards and backs playing an exciting, fast flowing game of rugby. Pembroke scored four tries by Douggie Whitbread, Harry Turner, Theo Davies and Rhys Richards, with Jared Sherratt adding two conversions and Gethin Bradney one conversion. We would like to wish Josh Axon a speedy recovery after breaking his thumb in the game.

U15s win first game

Coaches Martin Alderman and Geraint Griffiths paid tribute to their hard-working squad, after a rousing match, which saw the Pembroke lads win their first match of the season, by a margin of 34-28.

In sunny conditions at Crickmarren, the home team worked really hard and demonstrated a lot of skill, determination and team spirit in overcoming a tenacious Fishguard outfit.

The coaches are hoping that this will form a springboard and provide their squad with the confidence to work hard and perform well for the rest of the season.

Under 8s

The tag squad performed well in sunny, warm conditions in the north of the county, against a spirited and determined Fishguard squad.

Pembroke’s coaches complimented both sides on a very exciting game, which included some excellent handling and interplay from their own young charges.

The final score was 9 tries to 5 in Fishguard’s favour.

Player of the match for Pembroke was Lewis Mason, for his numerous tags and three, well-taken tries.