PEMBROKE first XV having lost at home the weekend before against Cardigan, finished their league season with a deserved win at home to Llanybydder, in good weather on a very heavy pitch, in front of a large crowd.
Pembroke scored five tries to gain maximum bonus points from the match, whilst a plucky Llanybydder squad made a fight of it scoring two good tries and putting the home team under periods of pressure throughout the game.
Pembroke’s pack and No 10 Alderwick with some good kicking out of hand forged the territory and positions to attack and Pembroke capitalised in both halves, despite having three disallowed tries.
A second half red card for retiring lock Dai Beynon upset the rhythm for a while, but the home side reacted very positively and deserved their win by 29-15.
Pembroke’s coaches, players and supporters were delighted to see a victory after a tough rebuilding season; long serving hooker Seamus Wiseman also announced his retirement after the game.
The Panthers played Old Penarthians at Sully RFC’s ground last Sunday afternoon in the WRU National Bowl semi-final in extremely windy conditions.
The Old Pens’ speedy backs proved to be the key factor in the first half, with the home side rattling up a 44-0 lead at the break.
Despite a few thrusts and a more determined effort from the visitors in the second half, the Old Pens remained in total control and ran up a further 22 points to secure their place in the Principality final on April 27; after the game the Pembroke ladies wished them success in the Final.
The U17s played Narberth at home in the quarter final of the Mike Fry Cup last Wednesday evening.
Both teams served up a fabulous match, with both sides showing their full range of skills and the game swaying throughout.
Pembroke’s back proved to be the more creative, moving the ball wide after good work by their industrious forwards, giving them a well deserved lead of 19-0 at the break having scored three tries to nil.
The second half saw Narberth take their chances to score two very good tries, but the home side scored three more, with the pick of them a solo effort from centre Bratcher, who ran the full length of the field, pushing off defenders, to cap a marvellous match and claim a commanding victory by 36-12.
The U14s squad and parents enjoyed a trip to a Chew Valley RFC festival where they performed admirably against some lofty opposition that included Exeter and Saracens. In the weeks ahead many age groups will be hosting touring teams from all over England and Wales.
Last Saturday morning South Pembs Sharks U16s girls’ squad entertained touring side MU Barnhall (Ireland) at Crickmarren, in a wonderfully entertaining match, which saw the visitors run out eventual winners.
Afterwards the squads enjoyed excellent hospitality, which was accompanied by lots of singing by both squads.
The Sharks intend travelling to meet them next year in Ireland.
Upcoming fixtures include, U17s away to Fishguard on April 13th, KO 2.30pm, Youth away to Crymych, April 20th, KO 2.30pm, Panthers April 21 away to N.Emlyn.
The club is delighted that long serving committee members Ian Martin and Mary James, and the Panthers will receive Pembroke Town Council Civic awards on April 18th in the Town Hall.