PEMBROKE first XV did not have a league fixture last weekend because Neyland were involved in the WRU Div 4 Cup, where they beat Llanhilleth to progress into the semi-final; well done to them and we hope they can repeat their win and go to a Cardiff Final, writes Darrell Willington.

The Panthers were at home to Tondu last Sunday in the quarter final of the WRU Women’s Nation Bowl; the match was sponsored by Mr Kevin Watts.

A noisy crowd turned out to support them, as they tried to make the semi final for the second consecutive season.

The match was a very entertaining affair, with the home side’s pack and backs asserting control from the outset, by putting together some flowing moves that saw them dominate territory and possession throughout the first half.

Tenacious, determined scrummaging, some illusive running to build multi-phase attacks and some very adept handling brought them four excellent tries, three converted by skipper Chloe Jones and a half time lead at 26-0.

The visitors galvanized themselves and were a different, more assertive presence during the second half, but dogged home defense and too many handling mistakes at critical moments prevented them from scoring for the bulk of the half.

However, their never die attitude was rewarded with a very late converted try.

Meanwhile, the home side after making some changes, continued to put together some excellent phases of play, which was rewarded with four more tries, three of which were converted by Jones to leave them worthy winners by 52-7 and a place in next week’s draw to the delight of their ecstatic players, officials and supporters.

The juniors were out in large numbers across the county and beyond in Dunvant and Pontyberem; the U7/8 doing well at a St Clears festival, wins for the U 9, 11, 13 and 14.

Upcoming fixture include; First XV home to Llanybydder this Saturday KO 2.30pm, Youth play Crymych at home same day KO 2pm. Juniors have their normal matrix fixtures. The First XV will play Quins on Friday Feb 7 KO 7.15pm in the Pembs KO Plate quarter final.

The County U11s squads played their Carmarthenshire counterparts at Crickmarren last Friday night under lights.

Both squads played very well in front of a large noisy crowd, with one squad winning well and the other just losing out in the last minutes of their match.

The club is extremely grateful to MHPA for their financial support of the junior section; funding secured has allowed the club to install LED floodlights on the junior training and playing area.

The club has also secured other grants, which will be used to upgrade other facilities, reduce overheads and reduce the club’s carbon footprint.

Oddballs bobble-hats will be on sale in the clubhouse in the coming weeks, with a proportion of the proceeds being used to fund club projects.

The Youth section are extremely grateful for the generosity of the following sponsors, who have supplied the new Youth playing kit for this season, they include the Cresselly Arms, Lovesgrove Guesthouse and the Milford Haven Chiropractic Clinic.