THE Pembroke Panthers travelled to take on Taffs Well in the WRU National Women’s Bowl semi-final, knowing little about them except that they had only played three league games, were currently bottom of their division and they had beaten Blackwood and Wrexham in previous rounds, writes Darrell Willington.

The hosts had suddenly lost a coach and ex-player in the weeks leading up to this match, which proved a highly motivating factor that became obvious in discussion prior to the start of the game.

The first quarter saw Pembroke in control territorially and they put the hosts under intense pressure but they were unable to pierce a very determined defence.

The home side’s powerful forwards managed to break out in the 25th and 40th minutes to score vital tries, both of which were converted.

Very early in the second half Pembroke lost industrious scrum half Meg Cole to a nasty ankle injury and there were numerous stoppages for other injuries.

The visitors pushed hard and aggressive running brought an early, unconverted try by rampaging Leah Phillips.

The home side then were penalized by a yellow and red card for high tackles and the visitors took full advantage to score another unconverted try, from a quickly taken penalty close to the home line, which saw Phillips score her second.

The home side then lifted their game and pinned Pembroke in their half for most of the fourth quarter, but suffered yet another yellow card; however, Pembroke were unable to get out of their half due to more determined defence, as the depleted home side ran down the clock to gain their place in the final.

Pembroke’s First XV, whose form had dipped in recent weeks, hosted Llangwm, holding a small advantage in the second leg for the Palmer Cup, fully respecting them despite their being at the foot of the league table.

In the first quarter the hosts forced the play and kept the visitors under pressure and racked up three tries.

Llangwm replied with sporadic attacks, which gained them two penalties before Pembroke finished the half strongly with a fourth try to lead 20-6 at the break.

The third quarter saw Llangwm go on the offensive and put their hosts under sustained pressure, which saw two home players yellow carded and deservedly brought them a penalty and two tries (one converted) to take an unexpected one point lead.

As the game drifted into the final quarter Llangwm were given a yellow card and Pembroke reasserted control through another unconverted try, before both sides gained further yellow cards.

Pembroke’s forwards and backs then combined really well in the final 10 minutes to score three unanswered tries by their industrious forwards to win emphatically by 42-21, in what had been a very entertaining, roller coaster of a half and win the Palmer Cup.

The minis and juniors were out in force at the weekend; U7/8 played well, 9s had a draw and win, 10s won at Quins, 11s combined with Quins to beat Haverfordwest, 13s beat Cardigan in Cup, 14s beat Tenby in Cup, 15s lost to Milford in Cup, 16s lost to Fishguard.

The final winter quiz will take place on Friday evening starting at 7.15pm for teams of 4-6 and the very popular coffee morning will be on Thursday at 10am as usual.