The senior XV travelled to Laugharne to play them in the fifth round of the WRU Bowl competition for a place in the last 16. The pitch, given recent weather, was in very good condition and the game was played in quite calm, dry conditions.

The match turned out to be a real humdinger of a cup tie, with both sides showing their determination to progress. Both were ring rusty after weeks of inactivity due to the Autumn internationals and this showed in the first quarter, when both traded skirmishes and defended very well, to leave it at a 0-0 stalemate going into the second quarter.

Pembroke had put some good phases of play together and built up their confidence; then after 25 minutes, some very good approach work by their pack gave flanker Dom Coleman space to drive over the line from close in for a well-taken, unconverted try.

This galvanised the visitors and they scored again five minutes later, after the forwards made lots of ground through some clever interplay, releasing quick ball from a ruck close in, which was picked up by livewire scrum-half Tom Lewis to weave his way across the line for a try, converted by Sean Dalling.

Minutes later, the visitors scored the try of the match, moving the ball from their own 22 line, through a huge number of phases, the hands of eager and determined runners, eventually setting fullback Luke Hartland free to score a marvellously constructed and exciting, unconverted try wide out on the right.

Laugharne, however, demonstrated a lot of resolve of their own and scored a well-taken try just before the break, when their scrum-half broke on the blindside close to the Pembroke line and fed his winger to crash over for an unconverted try; leaving the score at a well-deserved 17-5 lead to the visitors.

Laugharne started the second half in a far more urgent and determined fashion, with their forwards and backs combining well and achieving an early territorial advantage, which they converted into a well-taken try from the kick-off, through some excellent interplay.

This seemed to galvanise the visitors, who gained possession from a home mistake in defence, which allowed the Pembroke backs an opportunity to take the ball wide and provide centre Dan Colley with an opportunity to crash through tackles to score a try, converted by Sean Dalling.

Pembroke then found themselves under a period of pressure, which culminated in Laugharne striking back minutes later, with a well-constructed try after some clever interplay.

In this see-saw period in the game, when both sides traded attacks, Laugharne certainly made the visitors work hard to maintain their lead.

Then after 66 minutes the home side transgressed in the loose, allowing Dalling to step up and add three points for the visitors from 25 metres to relieve the pressure.

Minutes later, Pembroke mounted another determined attack, which saw the ball moved between forwards and backs to set number 10 Toby Smith free to crash through a packed defence to score the match-winning, unconverted try.

Laugharne, however, were not finished and their dangerous backs mounted a very late attack to score an excellent, well-deserved try just before the final whistle, to leave the final score at 32-22 to the visitors, much to their relief and the cheers from their ecstatic supporters.

Credit must be given to the referee for completing the game, as he had sustained a serious ankle injury midway through the second half.

Both sides congratulated each other as they left the field, whilst the Pembroke coaches, although quick to praise their own squad, also paid respect for the effort of the home team in what had been a truly marvellous cup match. Both sets of supporters, too, were effusive about the quality of the match and the attitude and determination demonstrated by both sides.

Pembroke play their old rivals Neyland away tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off 2.30 pm. Then they take on the Quins at home on Saturday, December 30, also with a 2.30 pm start. There will be music in the club later in the evening to promote a party atmosphere which everyone is very welcome to join in and enjoy.

YOUTH XV

Pembroke entertained Nelson RFC in the WRU National Youth Cup competition, the prize awaiting either side being a place in the last eight.

The match turned out to be a totally absorbing, exciting and typically hard fought cup match. The first quarter was very even, with both sides testing each other’s defences, which held tight, leaving it at at a 0-0 stalemate at the end of this period.

Early in the second period, Nelson earned and kicked a penalty to go ahead, after some really determined home defence kept them at bay.

Soon after, the visitors scored a well-taken unconverted try to go 8-0 up.

Pembroke then had a very good period of 10 minutes before half-time, only to be kept from crossing their opponents’ try line by some aggressive, determined defence.

Pembroke’s persistent probing of the visitors’ defence caused Nelson to tire and 10 minutes in, after some excellent work by the home forwards, flanker Hal Gaskell was held up over the line.

Within minutes, Pembroke were camped in Nelson’s 22 again and from a scrum, young John Smith scored a great try, after a training ground move proved too much for the Nelson defence; this was not converted, but took the score to 8-7

Nelson mounted their own attacks and only heroic home defence denied them further points.

Likewise, the home team also mounted some late, concerted attacks, which were met with equally determined defence and proved ineffective in altering the scoreline.

Then, with only a minute to go, the home side secured a penalty at the breakdown, 35 metres out from the posts. Pembroke skipper Tom Harding Jones stepped up and, after assessing the situation, took the decision to take a pot at goal to win the match himself. Under huge pressure, he confidently stroked the ball through the posts, to loud applause and shouts of joy from his team-mates, coaches and the large crowd of supporters, who had witnessed this Houdini-esque win for the home team.

The referee congratulated both squads on a marvellously exciting match. Both sets of players congratulated each other as they left the pitch and the home coaches were quick to praise the Nelson squad for their part in what had been such a very exciting and had fought encounter.

The Youth return to the league action tomorrow (Saturday) as they are due to entertain Whitland at home, kick-off at 2.30 pm.

BOXING DAY EXILES MATCH

The annual Boxing Day ‘Exiles’ match will take place on Tuesday, December 26, at the club. This is always an eagerly-awaited fixture, when returning ex-players like to test the mettrle of the club’s Second XV.

Players wishing to participate should add their names to the Facebook page, list inside the clubhouse, or contact either captain Scott Powell or senior team manager Nick Shiels well before the date.

As always, the club welcomes everyone to attend and to enjoy the usual celebrations.