FIRST XV

Pembroke travelled to Llangwm on a typically wet, cool, breezy winter’s day, with an expectation of gaining useful league points, against a team that has struggled in the league this season.

Each season the two clubs play for the Palmer Cup, the winner being the side with the greatest aggregate score after the two league matches; Pembroke presently hold the cup.

Whilst the pitch was very wet and heavy, both sides made light of the conditions to serve up some very good rugby.

Llangwm stunned the visitors from the first kick-off, which was fielded by their lock forward Josh Hicks, who charged forward through some very poor tackling by the visiting forwards, chip kicked and regathered to crash over wide out in the left corner for a superb individual, unconverted try.

Pembroke took a while to settle and soon after began to put together some really well constructed and exciting phases of play, which saw the ball being moved quickly and offloaded accurately between the backs and forwards.

Pembroke asserted their authority and dominated play for the remainder of the first half, scoring 52 points, with no further response from the home side, who were put under constant pressure.

Tries were scored by wingers Simon Stanford and Matthew Lewis (2), centre Dan Colley, number eight Sam Smith, fullback Luke Hartland and a superb 50-metre dash by skipper Scott Powell, when he was released after excellent interplay.

Llangwm produced flashes of good play, but failed to penetrate a very determined Pembroke defence.

The second half mirrored the first, with Pembroke dominating the bulk of play, through their pack and very astute back play. However, Llangwm demonstrated lots of resolve and early in the half, after a good passage of play with their forwards and backs combining very well, the ever-present and aggressive lock Hicks popped up again to score an excellently crafted, converted try.

Pembroke’s handling and combined play saw the game flow from side to side and there were many moments of individual flair and skill that opened up the home defensive line.

Midway through the half Pembroke lost two players to yellow cards, thanks to unnecessary infringements in the loose, but this did not seem to dampen their enthusiasm to use their big ball carriers to create opportunities to spread the ball.

Tries for Pembroke were scored by scrum-half Simon Hooper, winger Stanford, number 10 Toby Smith and two for Dom Coleman. All of the conversions were kicked by centre Sean Dalling, leaving the final score at the close of play on 85-12 to the visitors.

Llangwm had put up a very spirited performance, but many of their supporters were quick to salute the efficiency of the Pembroke effort on the day. The referee, too, had played his part in what turned out to be an entertaining, but one-sided affair and many in the winning camp were keen to respect the effort and determination displayed by a well-beaten home side, who had given everything and produced some well-constructed phases of play of their own.

Pembroke are scheduled to play Laugharne at home tomorrow, however there seems to be some doubt as to whether this will go ahead, so supporters should check with the steward at the clubhouse in advance.

PEMBS KO CUP

ROUND TWO

Pembroke will play Fishguard at home on Thursday November 30, kick-off 7 pm. Please call the clubhouse in advance to confirm if the game going ahead.

WRU BOWL

ROUND FIVE

The club is due to play Laugharne away on Saturday, December 9, kick-off 2 pm.Those supporters wishing to travel on the club supporters bus should sign up asap and by December when a decision will be taken to confirm this transport. Please check with the steward on the evening of Tuesday, December 5, regarding the supporters bus.

2nd XV

The ‘Tigers’ will have played Bluestone XV at home on Wednesday, November 15, by the time you read this. The report will appear in next week’s club report.

UNDER 14s

The picture (right) shows the squad at a recent match, some of the lads were absent as they were playing county football. The boys have been performing very creditably again this season and are determined to bring home a third County Finals title again this year having won their age group for the past two tournaments.

UNDER 12s

The team is pictured below in their new kit. The coaches, Phil Greenwood and Hannah Eynon, and all of the players would like to thank Peter Robinson (Londis Stores), Nigel Lewis (Woodenbale 2000 Ltd.,) and David, Rob, Kate and Family at Nash Farm Shop, for their generous sponsorship of the age group.

YOUTH XV

The Youth entertained Aberystwyth on a wet, breezy day to an early kick-off, because of the Wales v Australia international.

In their previous fixtures, the young Pembroke team had registered a solid win against a strong Quins side, but lost narrowly to Tenby the week before. Consequently, they entered this game with a lot of confidence and started very well, camping deep in Aber territory for the bulk of the first half.

Aberystwyth answered this pressure with some obdurate and determined defensive work.

Eventually, with five minutes of the half to go, Pembroke managed to penetrate the visitors’ defence and Rhys Griffiths crashed in for a converted try, to leave the score at 7-0 at half-time.

Aberystwyth raised their effort and created lots of opportunities to score, but were kept out by equally determined home defensive work. Meanwhile, Pembroke forged and capitalised on a number of well-crafted scoring opportunities, thanks to some excellent interplay between their forwards and backs; four more tries were scored by hooker Shane Gwyther, number eight Matthew Washbourne, skipper Tom Harding Jones and Liam Brunton, two of which were converted by the skipper.

To their credit, the Aber team came back hard at the home side in the final minutes of the game and scored a well-deserved, converted try after some good combined play.

This very entertaining and hard fought battle ended with a 31-7 win for the elated home side.

The Pembroke coaches were delighted for their young side, who had learned from previous performances and demonstrated greater cohesion and penetration in their play.

The Youth now play Fishguard away tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off early at 1 pm due to the international match.

OCTOBER QUIZ WINNERS

Pictured below are the victorious team. The second quiz night will now be on Friday, December 1, starting at 7.30 pm.