Last weekend Pembroke entertained Tycroes RFC at Crickmarren, in a much anticipated top of the table clash.The match sponsored by WoodenBale, saw the home side go into the fixture in third place and an improving Tycroes in fourth place in the League Table. Pembroke, despite missing a number of key personnel in their pack were on the back of a six win run and confident that they could extend this to seven after having convincingly beaten Tycroes earlier in the season. The weather was set fair, although cold and the playing surface, despite rain in the week, was in marvellous condition for two sides, who like to play an ambitious, expansive style. A large crowd had turned up to witness this battle for precious League points in a match that could have a huge bearing on the title race. Prior to the match the club became aware that the other top of the table clash between Penclawdd and Pontyberem had been cancelled.

Pembroke won the toss and elected to play with the wind towards the Lamphey end in the first half. Tycroes started badly at the kick off and gave the home side an immediate scrum advantage on the half way line. However, despite securing possession at this and a number of subsequent set pieces during the first five minutes and pressurising the Tycroes line, Pembroke failed to stamp their authority and score, due mainly to some determined Tycroes defence. Then after eight minutes, from their own put in at a scrum on the half way, Pembroke moved the ball through a pre-planned move, which saw left winger Sean Dalling in space and he neatly stepped his way past a few defenders, before passing to centre Dan Colley, who deftly slipped to co centre Jack Parkinson to crash over wide left for the first, unconverted score. Pembroke continued to keep the pressure on and five minutes later, from another solid scrum forty metres from the Tycroes line in midfield, the ball was moved right, the forwards won phase ball and centre Colley cleverly danced past a number of flat footed defenders to score a very well taken individual try, which was converted by No 10 Toby Smith. The home side maintained territorial advantage and after eighteen minutes, Pembroke’s No 10 Smith kicked long from his own half, the Tycroes full back made a hash of a return punt, scrum half Tom Lewis picked up the loose ball, made ground, fed Smith on his outside, who in turn put left wing Sean Dalling into space and he nimbly jinked his way to score wide left; Smith converted to give the home side a big advantage over the shell shocked visitors at the end of the frenetic, first quarter. Pembroke’s pack however, were not having it all their own way at the set piece and Tycroes’s pack worked hard to keep the home scrum under some pressure during the whole of the next quarter, which saw Tycroes gain a little more possession and begin to threaten in the loose and behind the scrum. The third quarter remained a stalemate until forty five minutes, when Pembroke moved the ball left to young right wing Fraser James, who out paced the defence to score wide left to the delight of his fellow players and the large, noisy home support; leaving the home side deservedly 24-0 up at the break. Pembroke’s defensive work in the second quarter, against a resurgent Tycroes had, as it has been all season, been very determined and proved vital to building and securing this big half time lead.

Pembroke lost star full back Luke Hartland to injury very early in the second half and he was replaced by the young, exciting talent, Tom Harding Jones. The visitors certainly buoyed by their efforts in the second quarter, started strongly, asserted themselves at the set piece and began to give Pembroke some headaches up front. Five minutes in and the visitors forced themselves into the home twenty two, went through phases, released quick ball to No 10 Luc Rees, who fed big lock John James on an angled charge and he went over for their first score; this was converted by No 9 Aled Jones. Pembroke then lost lock Gareth Miller to injury, he was replaced by speedy Billy Wood, making a welcome return to first team duty, in the unusual position of lock. Tycroes were now developing greater confidence and momentum and their pack was gaining ascendency and lots of possession, forcing the home side to defend on numerous occasions. Then after twelve minutes, against the run of early play, Pembroke’s centre Jack Parkinson kicked out of defence to the bottom touchline, the bobbling ball was chased hard by winger Fraser James, who miraculously picked it up (a la George North) between two Tycroes defenders, who he shrugged off to run the remaining sixty metres unopposed to score an inspirational try for his team and to a huge roar from the home supporters; Smith coolly converted from wide right to increase the lead. Pembroke then, at the start of the last quarter, brought on fresh legs with James Davies for an injured Colley, prop Seamus Wiseman was replaced by a returning Dom Coleman and dynamic flanker Jack Smythe came on for the industrious Rhodri Walters. Minutes later, after some very good phase play from the visitors and determined tackling from the home defence, the visitors eventually breached the Pembroke line and scored a well deserved try, which was converted by scrum half Jones. With their pack going very well in the tight and the loose, creating lots of possession, Tycroes were now playing with greater self confidence, creating lots of pressure and making the home side work harder in defence. After thirty one minutes and a period of good phase play again, their No 10 Rees deftly put in a chip kick over a flat home defence and Tycroes’s replacement left wing chased to score another well deserved, but unconverted try. The visitors continued to play percentage rugby, with their playmaker Rees at No 10 kicking well out of hand to keep his forwards on the front foot and in the Pembroke half as they had been for most of the second half. Pembroke, were then put under greater pressure, after another determined Tycroes attack had been snuffed out minutes from the end, when centre Parkinson was dismissed on a yellow card for what was deemed dissent, about the referee’s decision at the breakdown. Pembroke however, remained totally defiant for the remaining minutes of the match and their very determined tackling kept a fired up Tycroes at bay, until minutes later referee Steve Richmond (Bridgend) blew up to end a marvellously exciting and enjoyable encounter to leave Pembroke very worthy winners by 31-19.

In a match that confirmed the credentials of both sides, Pembroke’s ambition, determination, resilience and ability to take their chances in the first half had proved crucial to their seventh successive success and another bonus point win. Pembroke’s coaches, players and supporters were delighted with another bonus point win and paid tribute to their opponents, who had certainly shown themselves to be worthy of their place in the top four in this very competitive League and stretched the home side.

Pembroke will play Pontarddulais away on February 16th and the next home game will be another very tough challenge against top of the table side Pontyberem, on March 2nd, KO 2.30pm.

SECOND XV

The Tigers did not have a fixture least weekend, but they will be taking on Tenby at home tomorrow, KO 2.30pm. Coaches Simon Edwards and Clive Rowlands have a large, eager squad to select from and the players are very keen to take on their local rivals, in what should be a very entertaining match.

YOUTH

Sadly the Youth match at Crymych was called off due to frost last weekend. However, they will play Narberth home on February 16th, KO 2.30pm. Then on March 2nd they are playing Cardigan home in the Pembs Youth Cup, KO 2.30pm, with the semi final tie, most probably to be confirmed for the following week.

The Under 17s are due to play Tenby away tonight, KO 7.15pm (supporters should call the clubhouse in advance to confirm).

JUNIORS

Sadly for the eager youngsters all matches were called off at the weekend due to the hard frost.

WOMENS

After a lot of hard work the squad had been due to travel to play Tondu last Sunday, but very frustratingly the cold frosty weather sadly caused the match to be postponed. However, wewather permitting, it will now be played this Sunday instead. Kick-off is at 2.30 pm.