FIRST XV

After the narrow loss in Milford last week, the Pembroke coaches were looking for a statement of intent and a much improved performance from their squad. In extremely wet conditions, they entertained Tregaron, who had lost to the Quins the week before and so expectations were high amongst home supporters.

The matches against the visitors last season were well contested affairs; consequently, the home squad were determined to stick with their game plan and impose themselves from the start.

Tregaron started very positively and for the first five minutes pressurised the home line to force a well deserved early, converted score. This seemed to galvanise the home team, who then mounted a number of multiple phase attacks, which ended with number eight Sam Smith crashing over for the first Pembroke try, converted by centre Sean Dalling.

Shortly after, from off-the-top lineout ball, Pembroke outside-half Toby Smith weaved his way over for an unconverted try, after good build up from the forwards. Soon after, the forwards combined well again from the halfway line, for Sam Smith to offload to winger Barry John, who ran in for a converted try.

The home side’s confidence was running high and at the end of the first quarter, fullback Hartland regained possession in midfield and made a lot of ground before freeing skipper Scott Powell, who sprinted 30 metres to cross for another well constructed unconverted try.

Minutes later, from the restart, Pembroke’s forwards made ground and home flanker Jordan Evans forced his way over for a well-worked, converted team try.

After 27 minutes, Sam Smith picked up from a defensive scrum, went blind, fed winger Elliott Evans, who showed tremendous strength to fend off three tacklers and sprint in for an excellent individual effort from 40 yards out on the right, converted again by Dalling.

Pembroke cemented their dominance of the half by scoring another two tries in the final five minutes, with Sam Smith crashing over from a quickly taken tap penalty and fullback Luke Hartland weaving his way over from a turnover close in, leaving the half-time score 50-7 to the home side.

Pembroke started the second half very strongly, by scoring a try after just two minutes, when their pack drove Tregaron backwards, allowing number eight Sam Smith to pick up and crash over from close in.

Minutes later, home centre Dom Coleman got his name on the scoresheet, after another good scrum released quick ball and he was set free through a training ground move for an unconverted score. Sam Smith minutes later gained possession on the halfway line, broke through the initial line of defence, only to sprint his way to score an amazing individual effort wide right, with a line of tacklers left in his wake.

Tregaron put up some spirited defence and made a number of forays into Pembroke territory, but the repeated attacks began to take their toll on their players and Pembroke capitalised on this, scoring another two well-worked tries in the remaining 10 minutes; the first saw flanker Billy Woods finish off a break out of defence, followed by some excellent interplay, which freed him up to sprint in; the second was the result of some good lineout work and phase play, which set up flanker Jordan Evans to bullock his way over under the posts.

Not to be outdone, in the last 10 minutes, Tregaron showed their spirit and resolve, and mounted a number of concerted attacks, which led to a richly deserved try by tight-head prop Dorian Pugh, driving low after picking up from a ruck close in; it was converted by captain Shaun Rattery.

This was the last score in what had been a very entertaining, if one-sided match; the final score ending in a morale-boosting win for the home side by 79-14, who again showed the adventure, willingness to attack from all areas of the field, support and offload game, which has proved a game plan that has brought them a number of richly deserved bonus points already this season.

The referee, Martin Jones (Carmarthen), praised both teams for a very good game played in excellent spirit. The Pembroke coaches, meanwhile, paid tribute to their own squad for their much-improved performance and another bonus point win, whilst commending the visitors for their spirited effort.

In reply, the Tregaron management thanked the hosts for the welcome and hospitality afforded to them and reflected on what had been a difficult day at the office for them; whilst acknowledging the superb performance of the Pembroke squad.

Winger Elliott Evans, was named man-of-the-match for the home team for his excellent attacking and defensive work, whilst their young, South African student second row was named by Tregaron for his work rate in the loose and contribution throughout the match.

The Pembroke chairman thanked local company Merlwood (match sponsors) for their support and the Pembroke coaches named Sam Smith as their player of the month for Pembroke for September, after scoring many tries and making a huge offensive and defensive contribution in all matches.

Pembroke now play Aberaeron at home tomorrow (Saturday) in the second round of the WRU Bowl competition, kick-off at 2.30 pm.

The home match against Fishguard, in the second round of the Pembs KO Cup, has yet to be confirmed.

SECOND XV

The ‘Tigers’ travelled to a very rainy, windy Observatory ground in Milford Haven, with a squad determined to post a win and push themselves into contention for first team selection.

Pembroke came away with a thoroughly deserved 24-36 win, in a thrilling encounter, despite the conditions. The win was based on a tremendous effort from the visitors’ forwards, who laid on superb ball for the backs, who worked hard to exploit any gaps in the home defence.

The Pembroke pack dominated in the loose play, with determined support work and good offloading bringing its rewards.

Milford, too, had many moments in this well-contested match, scoring some very well-crafted tries of their own.

Afterwards, the referee commended both sides for their determination to play an exciting brand of rugby in difficult conditions.

Pembroke’s coaches were delighted with the performance of the whole squad and their defensive determination to maintain their lead despite huge pressure from the home side.

The Tigers go on to play Haverfordwest, away, tomorrow (Saturday).

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ NIGHT

The first of three planned quiz nights will take place on Friday, October 27, starting at 7.30 pm. Teams of four to six are welcome to come along.

CARDIFF HALF MARATHON for LILY

Last weekend, a large contingent of ex-players, members and friends of Joff Mackett (Australian ex-player, now vet in Australia) ran, jogged and or walked the course to raise funds for his daughter, who after a serious car accident has need of a complicated regime of health care. The team raised a large amount of much-needed funding, which will now be passed on to Lily’s family. The team organisers would like to thank everyone for taking part and all those making donations towards this vital cause; they hope to publish the actual amount in weeks to come.

If anyone else would like to donate, they should contact Dilly Williams or Simon Edwards, or simply donate on the Giving Page (on Facebook).

Above is a picture of the rugby club marathon squad, all of whom completed their own challenge.