PEMBROKE First XV welcomed Narberth Athletic to Crickmarren for a top of the table clash; Narberth had leap-frogged Pembroke into second place after a league win the previous weekend, whilst the home side’s current run of wins had increased their confidence, writes Darrell Willington.

The first 10 minutes was a stalemate, with both sides trading territory and testing each other’s resolve.

Pembroke had started very strongly, playing the game at pace and building multi-phase attacks, which lead to No 10 Allen being put into space close in to score the first, unconverted try.

Five minutes later, Pembroke were on the attack again and an opportunist charge down by flanker Stewart in the visitors’ 22 saw him beat the defence to dive onto the loose ball to score his side’s second try, which was converted by scrum half Sherratt.

Pembroke kept up the pressure but the visitors held them out, until a minute before the break, when Narberth’s full back Rossiter executed a deft chip kick to himself just outside the home 22, which he regathered and ran in from 20 metres for a fine individual try that he failed to convert.

Both teams made changes at the break, as the pace of the game took its toll.

The second half became an equally exciting, tense, entertaining affair.

The visitors kept possession for long periods, allowing them to build territorial superiority through their resurgent pack, which forced the hosts to defend resolutely throughout.

Pembroke made the odd foray but mistakes left them frustratingly scoreless and they were forced to defend for long, energy sapping periods, but their efforts kept the visitors from scoring.

Eventually, after a real dogfight of a half, the home side celebrated a hard fought, richly deserved victory by 12-5.

The Panthers played West Swansea Hawks at home on Sunday afternoon in a very competitive match, which ended 12-12. The game proved a great warm up for next week’s big WRU Bowl match.

The Youth played Fishguard at home and whilst they performed very well in the first half, they failed to register a score. Fishguard’s more experienced squad asserted themselves in the second half and the game was halted by the referee.

The whole junior section were out in force across the district and coaches reported some excellent performances and mixed results.

Forthcoming fixtures include, First XV Llanybydder home Jan 25 KO 2.30pm, Youth Crymych home same day, Panthers home to Tondu Sunday Jan 19 KO 2.30pm in WRU BOWL QF. First XV home to Quins on Friday Feb 7 in Pembs KO Plate QF.

Congratulations to the following winners of the December draw, £100 Mr A.Owen, £75 Mr R. Bowmer and £50 Mr G. Nicholas. There are still places available; anyone interested should see Mary James for mandate forms.

The club has started social Friday Flight Nights, for anyone of any age wanting to throw darts. Sessions start from 6pm.

The weekly coffee mornings continue between 10am and midday. With the Six Nations on the horizon, everyone is welcome to come to the club to watch the matches.

The sirectors are very grateful for the hard work of committee members that has brought in much needed grant funding from a number of sources, which will be used to complete a number of diverse, essential projects designed to improve facilities and reduce overheads.