ON a dry, mild day the Pembroke RFC squad took on the Exiles in the annual Boxing Day match, which has endured for many decades, writes Darrell Willington.

The weather, desire for fresh air after the Xmas festivities and the company of old friends encouraged a huge crowd to turn out and the players on both sides did not disappoint, as they served up one of the most exciting and entertaining festive matches for many years.

The first half started very brightly and saw both sides trade territory, move the ball through many hands and apply pressure in their opponents twenty twos right from the outset.

The Exiles struck first, after five minutes and an excellent build up.

Minutes later prop Evan Phillips (back after a long spell of injury) crashed over to tie the score.

After a period of stalemate, young Max Boswell was put into space near the home line and crashed over.

The game continued to seesaw and excellent combined work home prop Phillips crashed over for his second for the club team and this was converted by Sherratt to give their side a small lead.

Soon after Pembroke’s ten, James Allen crossed from broken play to score another home try.

The Exiles then struck back seconds before the break as their ten, Luke Alderwick scored a try, but Langston missed the conversion in front of the posts, leaving the score at 17-15 to the home side at the break after a pulsating half.

Both sides made changes, as the pace of the game took its toll; the changes meant that two father and son combinations were on the field, ie. Phil and son Josh Greenwood in opposition (although later Phil did make a cameo appearance for a few minutes for the club) and Mark and Max Boswell, who both played for the Exiles.

The second half continued to be played at pace, with both sides keen to play handling rugby.

But the club side, whose subs made a bigger impact, gained the upper hand after fifteen minutes and saw them score three more tries in the middle period of the half, due to some excellent forward and backs combinations put scrum half Sherratt, wing Alderman John and No 8 Rogers in for tries; two were converted by Sherratt and one by prop Phillips to cap a marvelously entertaining match and a win for the club squad by 38-15, which meant they were this year’s winners of the Jenny Gibby Cup that was presented to winning skipper for the day Will Edwards by the Gibby Family, at the usual after match hospitality.

Upcoming fixtures include, First XV at home to Tenby Seasiders Jan 4 KO 2.30pm and Narberth Athletic home on Jan 11 KO 2.30pm, Panthers away to Tumble Jan 5 KO 2.30pm, Youth Fishguard at home Jan 11 KO 2.30pm. Junior section return to action on Jan 11.

The club received the very sad news before Christmas of the passing of Richard Mc Nally, Gort Mathias and Lilian Roberts, all of whom gave service to our club over many years; Richard in the building of the stand, Gort as a bagman, first aider and committeeman and Lilian behind the bar. Our thoughts go out to all families and close friends.

The Directors and Management Committee and all other committees wish all members, volunteers and supporters a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2025, when we all hope that teams across all age ranges continue to prosper for the remainder of this season.