The Panthers entertained Tondu last Sunday afternoon in beautiful sunshine. Pembroke had a large squad and knew they would a tough challenge against a side that had improved as the season had progressed.

Pembroke lacked their normal energy and cutting edge in the first half, whilst the visitors’ forwards and backs started with much greater purpose.

Tondu’s forwards produced some very strong direct running, which put the home forwards on the back foot for much of the first half.

Likewise the pacey and dangerous visitor’s backs showed some very good handling and running to repeatedly stretch the home defence.

Eventually, Tondu’s persistence and energy proved too much for the flat footed home defence and they score a number of very well taken tries, after excellent work by their industrious forwards carved quick ball and space for their backs to exploit.

Pembroke did score a good try of their own, with skipper Chloe Jones crashing over late in the half, after great work from her forwards, who forged the opportunity to restore some pride. However, soon after the referee blew for the break leaving Tondu deservedly in the lead by 5-17.

Stern words from their coaches at half time, allied with some honest self-analysis seemed to galvanise the home squad, who started the second half far more positively.

The home forwards began to produce greater numbers of far more strong, direct charges to put their backs on the front foot.

Both combined well to build some exciting passages of play, which kept them in Tondu’s half for long periods in front of a large crowd, that began to get behind their team.

Tondu were still dangerous and only some really committed home tackling kept them from adding to their score line.

Eventually all the Pembroke pressure was converted into valuable points, with skipper Chloe Jones crossing again after a determined build up, which again involved forwards and backs combining and handling really well.

Tondu struck back early in the last quarter; their forwards produced a concerted effort in mid field, releasing quick phase ball that was adeptly moved across the backline to their very pacey full back, who ran forty metres to score a marvellous individual effort; this was not converted, but it did establish a clear lead for het team.

During the last quarter the home side, galvanised by their own efforts against a determined Tondu defence, continued to pressurise the visitors deep into their own territory. In the closing minutes, from a scrum close to the Tondu line, No 8 Pearl Griffiths picked up and with help from her forwards forced herself over the line under the posts to the noisy delight of her team mates and supporters; Chloe Jones converted.

Sadly despite what had been a really spirited comeback, the home side had run out of time and the referee soon after sounded the final whistle, leaving the ecstatic visitors worthy victors by 17-22.

The Pembroke coaches and players congratulated their opponents, but knew that the lack lustre first half had cost them dearly; however, they were still upbeat about the resilience and determination they had demonstrated in what had been a thoroughly absorbing second half.

Squad: Vicki Weatherall, Jackie Moseley, Angharad Scourfield, Danielle Louise De Rosa, Lucy Neale, Isabelle Dufresnoy, Lauren Morgan, Pearl Griffiths, Gail John, Chloe Jones (capt), Chloe Beynon, Fi Griffiths, Sian Rees, Lottie Bird, Charlotte Lucy Johnson, Bex Partridge, Hayley Clark, Kate Thomas, Leanne Panton.

The Match Sponsor for the match was Pintana Marketing (Media Management).

Prior to the match the Panthers squad hosted the sponsors of their new away kit to a buffet inside the clubhouse, where the players thanked them all for their generosity and support for their flourishing section.

The club’s Management Committee are also extremely to all of the sponsors for their support for our new women’s squad, who are proving a great success on and off the field in their first full WRU Merit Table League season.

The squad are due to play Talbot Reds away on November 10, KO 2 pm.