SENIOR XV

The Senior XV are due to tackle a double cup challenge this and next week.

Last night they were due to entertain Fishguard in the Pembs KO Cup round two - the report from this will appear next week.

Then on December 9 they are scheduled to play Laugharne away, kick-off 2 pm; supporters are asked to add their names to the bus list in the clubhouse if they wish to travel on the supporters bus (a final decision on time of leaving will be available from the steward on Tuesday evening, when people travelling can call to confirm transport arrangements).

Advance notice is also given that the team will be playing the Pembroke Dock Harlequins on Saturday, December 30, and there will be festive music for entertainment during the evening after the game.

SECOND XV

The ‘Tiger’ entertained Narberth last Friday evening under lights. The ground was very wet underfoot and the players had to endure some heavy rain and blustery wind, but despite these conditions, both teams served up some memorable rugby.

The forward battle remained intense throughout the game and both sets of backs tested the mettle of the respective defences. Narberth created a huge amount of early pressure and territorial advantage, but could not convert this into points, due to an obdurate home defence.

There were some very good passages of play, which involved forwards and backs combining well for both sides. Pembroke, however, proved the more persistent and out-scored their opponents.

Winger Matthew ‘Daffy’ Lewis opened the scoring with a well-worked, unconverted try for the home side, which served to galvanise his side. Soon after, flanker Jim Brace crashed over from a driving maul for another unconverted try.

Close to the end of the half, Pembroke’s James Davies kicked deep into the visitors’ territory and from the resulting lineout, lock Owain Johns was given ball in space to dive over for another unconverted try, to give the home side a 15-0 advantage at the break.

Narberth started the second half strongly and scored a well-taken, unconverted try, which had involved a large number of players, combining well to create the opportunity.

Pembroke bounced back, showed greater desire and this eventually led to the score of the game, which covered a large proportion of the field and involved lots of offloading between backs and forwards to set their scrum-half, Rhys Johns, free to score an excellent team try out wide; this went unconverted as it was a tough night for all of the kickers.

Minutes later, referee Ross Grieves blew the final whistle, leaving Pembroke victorious by 20-5.

The supporters from both sides were quick to congratulate both teams on a very entertaining game. The referee also congratulated both sides for their endeavour in challenging conditions, as they retired to the clubhouse for welcome refreshment.

Sadly, after post-match examination, young Pembroke flanker Andrew Evans was found to have suffered a neck injury during the game, which since has required further medical attention. Everyone at the match and involved with the club is monitoring the situation, whilst wishing him well and a speedy recovery.

UNDER 17S

A fully loaded ‘Seventeens’ squad travelled to Neyland last Sunday, anticipating a tough assignment, as the home side possessed some talented County and Scarlets players. The conditions were typically wintry, with a muddy wet ground, a cold wind and rain falling for most of the match.

Both teams served up a real treat of running rugby, in front of a large crowd of well wrapped up supporters. It was an evenly contested first half, with both sides spreading the ball wide, only for defences to rule for most of the time. However, both sides managed to neatly work players into space and some very well crafted tries were scored.

Pembroke lost a player early on, to a yellow card for a high tackle, but they managed to keep Neyland at bay during this period. At half-time there was very little in the score.

In the second half, Pembroke found a second wind and as their pack began do dominate, they created more opportunities to create space.

Pembroke’s excellent interplay, skilful passing, offloading and constant support work paid off, as they forged territorial advantage and scored a number of tries from deep positions.

Neyland, to their credit, never gave in and they too scored a few very well-deserved tries as well.

The crowd was certainly entertained by the positive attitude of the players, the running and passing skills on both sides, but Pembroke proved very determined and fully deserved their emphatic win

UNDER 15s

The Fifteens welcomed St. Davids to Crickmarren last Sunday morning. The teams played in damp, cool conditions and carved out a memorable win against a strong opposition.

Both teams performed very well during the first half, both stretching each other’s defences with some excellent combined play. Both scored tries after good work and some skilful handling and running lines, in front of a large vociferous crowd.

At half-time, the teams were even at 15-15, with all to play for. Pembroke, however, grew in confidence as the second half progressed and through some hard work and skilful handling, managed to get the advantage required, scoring a number of well-deserved tries to take them into a healthy lead.

St. Davids, however, continued to battle hard and scored some very well constructed tries of their own, but the home squad were determined to cement their win and they did with some very well-taken late tries, which were the result of good defence and determined running from a number of key players.

In the end, Pembroke triumphed, to the delight of their vocal supporters, scoring a total of 46 hard earned points to the 20-plus of the visitors.

Young referee Tom Lewis was making his debut with the whistle and both coaching groups felt he performed very creditably.

JUNIORS AT

ST. CLEARS RFC

Last Sunday, all of the ‘minis’ section (U7-U11) played at St. Clears. Thankfully, although the pitches were very damp after heavy rain, the weather was dry, but quite cold and crisp.

The St. Clears club gave all of the teams a good welcome and refreshments were available for the players and supporters throughout the morning.

The pictures of the Pembroke age groups clearly show the children’s keen enthusiasm for the day’s challenges. All of the teams performed really well on the day in front of large groups of equally enthusiastic supporters, which was so gratifying for all of their hard working and dedicated coaches.

SECOND CLUB GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

The second winter quiz will take place at the clubhouse tonight (Friday), starting at 7.30 pm. All are welcome to come along and participate in teams of four to six. The organisers wish to thank Celtic Wines and MSS for their sponsorship of the prizes.

WINNERS NOVEMBER 150-PLus CLUB

Congratulations to Mrs. Jayne Roberts (mother to two lads Iori and Dewi, playing for the club at Youth and U17 level), who has won this month’s bumper pre-Xmas prize of £500. If you wish to join this monthly draw, please see Mary James at the club for mandate forms.

BOXING DAY

EXILES MATCH

The annual Exiles game will go ahead as usual on Boxing Day, starting at 2 pm. Any players wishing to participate should get their names to Nick Shiels, or to Scott Powell, the club captain, or add to the list on the club noticeboard asap, so that teams can be formulated in advance.

TURKEY TROT and XMAS DRAW DATES

The winners of turkeys from the weekly turkey trots will be able to pick up their ‘fresh bbirds’ from the clubhouse on the evening of Saturday, December 23. Whilst the ladies committee Christmas Draw and Bottle Draw will be taking place at the clubhouse on Friday, December 8, after 7 pm. Everyone is invited to come along to enjoy some music and a few festive drinks in the clubhouse at these events.