STORM Darragh prevented the league match from going ahead in St Davids the weekend before

Last Saturday Pembroke First XV entertained the Pembroke Dock Harlequins in a much-anticipated local derby in perfect dry conditions.

Both squads were at full strength and the teams sat third and fourth in the league with very similar records.

The Quins dominated the first quarter and showed their intention to spread the ball wide right from the outset, scoring their first try after only six minutes.

Pembroke's first team squad
Pembroke's first team squad (Photo supplied)

The home side responded with an opportunist try by flanker Stewart after nine.

Quins injected more urgency with wing Miller proving a real handful and scored two quick tries to establish a 7-19 lead.

The home side’s forwards and backs then combined really well to forge attacking positions and with the Quins being repeatedly penalized the home side’s No 8 Rogers scored two excellent tries to bring his side back into the game and leave the score at 21-22 at the break.

The second half started much the same as the first, but when Quin’s centre Barnett was yellow carded for a stupid off field incident, this certainly impaired the Quins attack.

Quins skipper Hathaway then kicked a penalty and slotted a drop goal to extend his team’s slim lead.

The game then seesawed as both made changes, with both teams doing their best to break down very determined defending.

Quins lost centre Price to injury and this impacted on their attacking ability.

Meanwhile, Pembroke’s forwards continued to press and create pressure and this paid off after a multi-phase attack with some adept interplay and a very determined drive by replacement hooker Davies, who crashed over to exuberant celebrations on and off the pitch; this score brought his side within two points of the visitors and set up a very tense last ten minutes.

Pembroke Panthers collected and donated presents to the Three Amigos Xmas run.
Pembroke Panthers collected and donated presents to the Three Amigos Xmas run. (Photo supplied)

With five minutes to go the home side’s players forced themselves into the Quins twenty-two, where they were awarded a penalty that was ably converted by Sherratt to give his side a one-point lead.

The home side despite a few wobbles late on, held out and won what had been a highly entertaining and exciting derby, which was witnessed by a very large crowd and some visiting WRU Board members.

During the post-match hospitality, both squads were congratulated on a marvellous game by Pembroke president Dilwyn Williams and he awarded the Eric Brown Cup to the Quins after the game, as they had amassed a higher points aggregate over the two games.

The annual Boxing Day match between a club fifteen and the Exiles will go ahead, kicking off at 2pm.

Upcoming fixtures in the new year include: First XV Tenby home on January 4, Narberth at home January 11. The Panthers have Tumble away on January 5. The Youth are due to play H’West away January 4 and Fishguard home on January 11.

A limited number of tickets are still available from the steward for the New Year’s Eve Party at the club.

The second Winter Quiz will take place on January 29th, starting at 7.15pm, everyone is welcome to come along.

Congratulations to Wendy James on winning the £500 monthly draw for November; there are still places available to join and anyone interested should see Mary James for the necessary mandate forms.