The squad entertained Aberystwyth for their first ever encounter in the WRU Plate competition, following promotion to Division 2 West; teams from Div 1 and 2 annually compete for this prestigious, national title. The home coaches and players fully expected a tough challenge, following their battle in last year’s Pembs KO Cup final at St Davids, when Aber ran out deserved winners after an exciting and full blooded match.

Pembroke’s coaches were without a large number of their regular first picks, through injury and work commitments, but they had diligently prepared for what they knew would be a thorough examination of their own credentials at this new level. In the reshuffle, young Jim Brace was selected to make his first start of the season at hooker, Jamie Brayford made his first start at loose head, Sam Davies was playing his first match out of position on the wing, whilst the experienced Jordan Gwilliam started at No 8 and centre Dan Colley assumed the captaincy. In beautiful autumnal weather, conditions were very favourable for both teams to play the expansive game that both had demonstrated back in May.

Pembroke expected the visitor’s pack to be strong at the set piece, as they had established a solid platform in the KO Cup final performance. As expected, the visitor’s started strongly, with their pack having an impact early on and providing a string of possession. The home forwards matched them in the first half and created some quality possession for their own backs, but they failed to take their opportunities to penetrate the determined Aber defensive line. The home defence had to work extremely hard too to repel the visitors throughout the half, but they did succumb and although things remained quite close, a late try, just before the break seemed to flatter them as they deservedly posted a lead of 5-19. Pembroke flanker Dom Coleman had scored one try from a lineout close to the Aber line; the home forwards secured their lineout possession and forced a driving maul ten metres, allowing Coleman to crash in, to provide some comfort for his team, who had earlier in the half missed two kickable penalty opportunities. Locks Cyle Weatherall and Gareth Miller showed up very well throughout the half, with Weatherall particularly posing problems with a number of very abrasive and effective carries.

The second half saw Aber make a few changes up front, which strengthened their set piece and increased their ability to retain possession and create pressure, by providing a string of good possession for a very competent set of backs to exploit. The visitor’s backs made full use of the extensive possession and as the Pembroke pack tired they played a more expansive game, which brought them rich reward. Pembroke created a number of chances of their own during a few forays into the Aber half, but a mixture of poor handling, decision making and inability to retain possession, meant chances were squandered. Young flanker Jack Smythe made his debut for the home side and brought a little more energy to the performance, whilst scrum half Rhys Cadogan again showed up very well throughout the whole game and proved a very capable and skilful link between his forwards and backline. Pembroke failed to stem the flow, Aber took their opportunities really well and established a big lead, eventually running out worthy winners by 5-50.

Pembroke’s coaches admitted that, as expected, this had been a tough assignment for their young side, which had been shorn of its key, experienced bigger forwards and leaders in the back line; they and skipper Colley paid tribute to the Aber pack that had performed so well and established a superiority, which had allowed their very capable backs so much possession on the front foot. The home side certainly learned a lot from this match, but were not despondent as their opposition from Division 1 West had yet again shown their experience and extra physicality, which was the result of having played at a higher level over so many years. The large crowd also showed their appreciation for both sides as they left the field. The result leaves Pembroke sitting in fifth place in the League table, however it would seem that there is a huge ambition to improve on their start to the season amongst both coaches and their squad.

Pembroke return to League action next weekend with an away match at Penclawdd; if any supporters wish to travel on the player’s coach they should contact the clubhouse to secure a leaving time on Saturday morning.

SECOND XV

Sadly the match was postponed, because Milford were unable to field a side. The squad now are due to play Llangwm away in the first leg of the Palmer Cup next weekend, KO 2.30pm. Supporters should contact the club in advance to confirm leave time for the players bus.

YOUTH XV

The squad travelled to take on a young, enthusiastic Whitland outfit at Parc Dr Owen, in lovely autumnal conditions, because both teams had received a bye in the draw for the national WRU Youth Plate Competition. 

The Pembroke side began well and scored two early tries through flanker Liam Brunton and outside half Kyran Gray, who also added the conversions and a penalty to give them a 17 – 0 early advantage. The Pembroke forwards remained well on top during the half, with Liam Brunton, Jonathan ‘Judo’ Wood, Dan Grove and Tommy John making some strong carries and making deep inroads into home territory.

After this early lead, the young Whitland side reacted and began to build momentum. After a long period of sustained pressure, they scored a very good try of their own wide out, which resulted from some very good interplay between their forwards and backs; the conversion was missed leaving the score at 5 – 17 to Pembroke. Not long after, with the visiting team under the cosh, the confidence of the home team increased and they scored another excellent, well deserved try to bring the score to 17 – 10 at half time.

Whitland continued to dominate in the early skirmishes, but determined defence from the whole Pembroke team managed to hold them out. Then ‘livewire’ Pembroke centre Tom O’Neill, made a break from inside his own half and showed electric pace to gallop away and score under the posts; Kyran Gray added the conversion. This seemed to break the resolve of the Whitland players and Pembroke, then worked very hard together and added two further tries from young prop Evan Phillips and flanker Tommy John, one converted by Kyran Gray, to make the final score a well deserved win for the visitors by 36 – 10.

Pembroke now have two home games to look forward to, Milford Haven on the 6th October and Crymych on the 13th.

 UNDER 17 AGE GROUP

The team will be playing at home against an Irish touring side, Ennis RFC, on Sunday October 7th; supporters please call clubhouse to confirm the KO time.

150+ CLUB DRAW WINNER

Congratulations to , who will be the recipient of the September £500 prize cheque. There are still places in this monthly draw; if anyone wishes to join they should see Mary James at the club on match days for the relevant mandate forms.

JUNIOR SECTION

The Under 9’s coaches would like to thank Valero for their very generous sponsorship of the squad’s new training/match tops. The children were delighted to receive their new club tops and are wearing them with real pride.

The Club Junior Section has been awarded the County Junior Finals Day, scheduled for Sunday May 5th next year. The club’s teams will be participating in the annual rounds of Cup matches early in the New Year, which will decide which U11-U15s teams that will participate in these showcase finals in front of a large crowd on that day.

WINTER CLUB GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZZES

For anyone interested in taking part in a few evenings of cerebral challenge, the club will be holding three QUIZ NIGHTS on Fridays throughout the dark nights. All are scheduled to start at 7.15pm, for teams of 4-6 and the dates are posted inside the clubhouse; participants are charged £3 per person and there is usually some nibbles laid on in the break and a small Raffle in aid of the Fisherman’s Mission on each occasion.

WRU

The WRU are holding their annual AGM in October, when clubs around Wales will be voting on proposals for a reformed governance structure, which will lead, organise and manage all aspects of the game across the Principality. Rugby people await the outcome of this event with much interest.

WRU CEO Martyn Phillips and Ryan Jones (WRU Participation Officer) will be visiting the club soon after this AGM. The club is very proud to have been identified for this targeted visit. A number of club officers and the Head coaches will welcome our guests, show them around our facilities and be giving a presentation outlining all of the factors that helped us to achieve such a level of success.