Eventually, after much drama, the Quins deservedly secured the bragging rights, in what turned out to be an old fashioned ‘dog fight’ of a match, which was high on emotion, very physical at times, low in quality, yet highly entertaining for the large vociferous crowd.
As had been said in the match programme, these derby games throw league positions to the winds and more often than not are played as one-off cup matches. This encounter was exactly that; Quins came with a patchy league record, whilst the Pembroke squad came to the field with only one narrow loss and a good league record under their belts.
Consequently, both sets of supporters arrived with differing expectations, whilst the players on both sides were determined to bag the bragging rights over workmates and old friends.
The first 10 minutes saw both teams test each other’s defences, without scoring. Pembroke then, after sustained forwards pressure, were awarded a penalty just outside the Quins 22 area, in a kickable position; young Luke Hartland, who had proved very reliable in weeks past, unfortunately pushed his effort wide.
Minutes later, after more forwards pressure, Pembroke were awarded another penalty close in, only to see the decision reversed.
Quins then lost Josh Boswell and brought on old head Dean Wilcox, who certainly whipped up the Quins pack.
After 25 minutes there was still no score, as the game see-sawed into a stalemate. Then, after 35 minutes, Quins number eight Kevin Bratcher was yellow-carded at the loose, after persistent infringements and warnings from the referee. Up until this point, the Pembroke pack had established dominance at the scrum and now they could see an opportunity to make this pay.
With minutes to go in the first half, Pembroke were camped on the Quins’ line, and after repeated pick-ups and drives from the forwards, it seemed that the home team might pierce the very determined defence, but unfortunately they failed to make their superior numbers count and failed to score, as the referee brought the half to a close, with the score at 0-0, to a crescendo of noise from the delighted Quins players and supporters.
The start of the second half saw 14-man Quins invigorated after their defensive effort and they began to mount a number of attacks through concerted forward pressure.
Pembroke, who based their game on moving the ball wide, were denied quick ball on numerous occasions and so were forced to play the game at a pace dictated by the opposition, which frustrated them enormously.
However, as Quins confidence grew, so Pembroke’s resolve seemed to ebb a little.
Then, 10 minutes into the half, after a period of sustained pressure from the Quins’ forwards, they found themselves deep in Pembroke territory and quick ball from a ruck was fed out to number 10 Ben Hathaway, who crashed over for the first score of the game; he also kicked the conversion.
Pembroke then replied with a 15-minute period of pressure, which saw them begin to secure quicker ball and play a more expansive style, with their young backs making a lot of territory.
However, they failed to make this count and could not secure a score that would have relaxed the tension they were now experiencing in front of an ever noisy opposition support.
Thirty minutes into the second half, Pembroke forced their way close to the Quins line on two occasions, but frustratingly lost possession on both occasions.
Then, with five minutes to go, Quins number eight Bratcher was red-carded after a high tackle in midfield, Pembroke kicked deep into the Quins territory, but again failed to capitalise on this opportunity.
Tensions were running high at this time as both teams gave their all.
Quins then drove deep into Pembroke territory and with three minutes to go the home transgressed in the loose and Quins were awarded a penalty 30 metres out. Number 10 Hathaway stepped up, but his effort dropped just short of the bar.
Pembroke tried desperately to break out of defence and take the ball wide, but again Quins’ very determined defence stifled out the attack , to a huge roar from their supporters.
The referee then blew for full-time, after what had been an intense, emotion-packed final few minutes, leaving the final score a deserved win 0-7 to a huge roar from the visiting supporters and players.
As in all these games, after the high tension and physical battle they had all been engaged in, the very disappointed Pembroke squad graciously congratulated their victorious opponents, who were visibly ecstatic to have come to Crickmarren and picked up a richly deserved and precious result.
The referee, Julian Thomas, of Pontyates, was very complimentary of the passion and determination displayed by both sides. As one Quins, long-time supporter put it, “Never mind the quality we got the result,” which for many summed up the day.
Quins certainly had displayed a greater motivation, passion and desire, whilst the home side were left to reflect on a lack of tenacity, poor accuracy in their execution in open play and missed opportunities, amidst a well below par performance.
After the game, the Pembroke chairman congratulated the Quins captain and squad on their victory and for securing the Eric Brown Memorial Cup, which was played for, for the first time. Eric Brown was a well-known and respected stalwart of PRFC, who served for many years as fixture secretary and groundsman. The cup had been donated by Eric’s family and was presented to Quins captain Tom Doyle by Brynley Brown (Eric’s brother).
The man of the match awards, chosen by the respective team coaches and sponsored by the Smith-Wrench brothers from the Charlton Hotel, were also presented to Alex Pierce (Quins) and Tom Kinnear (Pembroke) for their outstanding performances.
The chairman then thanked Guy Thomas (match sponsor, Basil and Mary James (match ball sponsors) and the hundreds of people who had stayed to celebrate, and finally wished everyone present a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
UNDER 16s
The U16s entertained a strong Narberth outfit on Sunday and lost 40-7. The Pembroke lads found the heavy-weight Narberth pack hard to handle and it was their dominance that set up this pre-Christmas win for Narberth.
There were a few good individual performances from the Pembroke team, but this was not enough to lift them.
After the game, the Pembroke coaches and players congratulated Narberth, whilst the home squad reflected on an excellent first half of their season, with some notable wins away on the road.
CLUB EVENTS AND KEY DATES CLOSURE DAYS:
The clubhouse will be open on Christmas Eve 7 - 11 pm, but will be closed on December 25, 27 and 28, New Year’s Day and Monday, January 2.
TURKEY TROT WINNERS NIGHT
December 23, starting at 7.30 pm, the turkeys will be distributed to the winners of the weekly draws. The annual bottle draw will also take place. All members and friends are welcome to attend and enjoy a festive celebration.
BOXING DAY
EXILES MATCH
This game will kick-off at 2 pm, so would players please be prompt for the pre-match photographs. For any Exiles wishing to play, please call Max Hayward or Nick Shiels to confirm. The club wishes to thank in advance all of the sponsors for supporting this annual fixture.
HORSE RACE NIGHT
December 29 to raise funds for LILY, a former player’s daughter’s medical care, as she is critically ill. All members and friends are welcome to attend this fun night. Starts at 7.15 pm.
NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE
This will be held in the clubhouse. Only a few tickets left, if anyone wants tickets please see the club chairman, Darrell Willington, asap. Doors open at 7 pm. Entry to the club that night is by ticket only
JANUARY QUIZ
A quiz will be held at the clubhouse on Friday, January 27, starting at 7.15 pm. Teams of 4-6 players. The club organisers would like to thank all sponsors for their support.
Christmas wishes
The club management committee would like to wish all of our employees, members and their families, all friends, sponsors and supporters of the club, and all visitors, a hugely happy, healthy and enjoyable festive season and a prosperous New Year. Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.
Our thoughts are also with those, who are mourning the loss of family or friends at this time
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