The senior squad travelled to Mumbles last weekend to avenge their very disappointing loss at home earlier in the season. The day was set fair, with the weather beautifully calm, warm and sunny and the surface at Underhill Park excellent for running, open rugby. A large crowd had assembled, with a very large travelling support once again from the Pembroke club, who watched a curtain raiser between the Mumbles U14s and Chepstow.

The first five minutes saw both sides testing each other’s mettle, with attacks met with determined defensive work. Then the first real impact was by the visitor’s pack, with a huge shove on the home ten metre line, which yielded a penalty, which No 10 Toby Smith kicked adeptly deep into the home twenty two. Pembroke flanker Walters rose high to make a great catch at the back of the lineout, on reaching the ground he swivelled and ran the ten metres, unopposed to score an opportunist try before a mystified Mumbles pack; Smith converted. Minutes later, Mumbles were on the attack in this frenetic start to a seesaw match and the visitng forwards were offside at the breakdown, yielding a penalty, but this was not converted. Mumbles sustained their pressure for another period, but strong determined Pembroke defence kept them out. After seventeen minutes Mumbles were reduced to fourteen as they lost their lock for a lineout infringement. Pembroke’s dominant pack elected to scrummage and produced a huge, controlled surge, which allowed No 8 Sam Smith to drop on the ball and score; this was converted by brother Toby, leaving the visitors 0-14 up at the end of the first quarter. Mumbles retaliated immediately, with a period of pressure, which saw their winger held up in the act of crossing the line and minutes later full back Richards converted a penalty, after the referee penalised the Pembroke front row for collapsing at the scrum. The score lifted the Mumbles pack and they produced further pressure through good interplay, but this was met with determined Pembroke defence, until a misjudged pass in the visitor’s midfield on their own twenty two gave Mumbles flanker George an opportunity to pick up loose ball to run twenty five metres to score a very well taken individual try, which was converted by Richards to narrow the gap. Both sides then traded territory in the remaining ten minutes of the half. Whilst lapses in accuracy and concentration cost Pembroke a number of opportunities, Mumbles were met with very strong defence when they mounted attacks in this exciting and tense affair. A few minutes before the break, a Mumbles infringement at the breakdown on their own ten metre line yielded Pembroke’s Smith an opportunity to extend his team’s score and he duly slotted the long range kick to leave the half time score deservedly at 10-17 to the visitors.

The Pembroke supporters had witnessed what they described as a typically disjointed team performance after yet another enforced break in the season, but they were very pleased with the pack’s performance and their side’s determination in defence, against a speedy and skilled Mumbles outfit.

The second half started much like the first, very frenetically, with both sides showing real intent. Pembroke attacked after fielding the kick off, were repulsed and Mumbles then pushed deep into the visitor’s half. Pembroke’s young full back Harding Jones fielded a kick, made ground, fed his forwards, who handled and combined well to make lots of ground, released ball to winger Stanford, who in turn made lots of ground before feeding No 8 Smith on the charge in open play and he fed brother Toby, who broke a number of tackles to run twenty five metres to finish off a marvellous team effort; this went unconverted. Mumbles came straight back and ten minutes in, after a sustained attack, which saw them force repeated five metre scrums, they moved the ball wide and their right winger Flynn crashed into the corner for a well taken try, which was very ably converted by No 15 Richards. Two minutes later, Pembroke were on the offensive, a quick tap penalty by centre Colley on the halfway line was put through the hands to Toby Smith who crashed through a defensive line on a well timed angled run, which saw him then run in unopposed from twenty metres to score under the posts; he converted this himself. Sadly, not long after and near the end of the third quarter, influential Pembroke centre Parkinson was injured at the breakdown and had to leave the field and was replaced by James Davies. Litersally minutes later, Mumbles speedy backs, who always looked dangerous, were released on the half way, combined well with supporting forwards and forged a marvellous, converted try near the posts, after some abject tackling from the visitors. Soon after Mumbles lost their winger to a yellow card for an off the ball incident, which ruined an opportunity they were compiling. Pembroke immediately were back on the attack and pushed themselves deep into the Mumbles final quarter, where after repeated scrums, No 8 Smith was able to pick up from a dominant shove to feed scrum half Tom Lewis to crash over wide left for an unconverted score. Pembroke made their last substitutions to bring on fresh legs in what was proving a fast, open and demanding match. Pembroke stayed on the attack for another period but determined home tackling, combined with a lack of accuracy in their handling at critical times cost them dearly. Mumbles, with ten minutes to go, had to go uncontested at the scrum as they lost their loosehead prop to injury. The game continued to seesaw, but the visitors remained in control and with five minutes remaining, No 10 Smith kicked a penalty from thirty two metres after a scrum infringement in midfield. With the game seemingly in the bag, Pembroke’s forwards still maintained late pressure and after some excellent handling and interplay with their backs, Man of the Match for Pembroke Toby Smith was again put into space and he scored the final try of the match from half way and converted his own score to make the final score deservedly 24-44 to the visitors, in what had been a thoroughly entertaining encounter in front of a very appreciative, large crowd, much to the delight of the travelling support and team’s coaches.

Pembroke’s coaches, whilst dismayed by their squad’s very slow start, indifferent decision making, poor handling and inaccuracy at times, disjointed performance at the lineout and lack of concentration which provided too many opportunities for Mumble’s dangerous backs to threaten, were delighted to have secured a very valuable six try, bonus point win on the road. This hard earned result now puts Pembroke in second place behind Penclawdd and two points ahead of Pontyberem, who they play in three weeks. The whole squad are extremely excited at the prospect of having the opportunity of playing for a possible League title and promotion in the coming weeks; particularly when at the outset of the season, the players and coaches had been simply looking at survival and or a mid table place in this very competitive League.

Pembroke now play their final home League match tomorrow against Loughor, KO 2.30pm, when they hope to secure a double over their rivals, who they know will be travelling, determined to avenge their narrow home loss earlier in the season.

After the match, there will be a fun karaoke evening at the club, to which everyone is cordially invited to attend.

Pembroke: Tom Harding Jones, Simon Stanford, Dan Colley, Jack Parkinson, Barry Alderman John (returning after injury), Toby Smith, TomLewis, Lloyd Davies, Seamus Wiseman, Jonny Palmer, Will Edwards, Scott Powell ©, Rhodri Walters, Alex Thomas, Sam Smith. Subs: Jack Smyth, James Davies, Dom Coleman, Rhys Mainwaring, Jordan Gwilliam.

WOMEN’S RUGBY

The women played their fourth fixture against Talbot Reds at home last Sunday afternoon, trying to avenge a loss to them a few weeks ago. The weather proved a real bonus, with it being a really calm, warm and dry day, with the pitch in marvellous condition, perfect for an entertaining game.

The first half saw both sides willing to move the ball and the two sets of forwards battling hard in midfield, with some very good handling, strong running, good interplay, complemented by very determined tackling as both strived to establish some dominance. Pembroke opened the scoring after some very good combined play, with backs and forwards combining well and strong runs from Meg Boorman, Chloe Jones and Fi Griffiths to finally put Isobelle Dufresnoy clear to score. Soon after, more strong surges by the home side’s Naana Geula, Lucy Johnson and Chloe Beynon brought a lineout near the visitor’s line, from which clean possession was fed to Pearl Van Ellis, who charged her way to a great score. Soon after the visitors were on the attack and after some strong ball carries, their winger ran a huge arching loop to score to make it 12-5 to Pemboke. Minutes later, Isobelle Dufresnoy was again put into space after strong carries from Fi Griffiths and Chloe Jones and she scored her second try. Soon after the half time whistle was sounded leaving the home side deservedly up at the break, against a strong Reds outfit.

Minutes after the break, more strong running by the home side’s Kate Thomas, provided skipper Chloe Jones with a chance to nail an early score, to take the home side into a clear lead at 22-5. The Talbot Reds however, bounced back into the match with another well created score for their dangerous No 14. Pembroke then forced their way to another very good, unconverted score. However, straight from the kick off, the home side handled well and put winger Carys Slack into space and she took her chance very weel to score an unconverted try. Then from the kick off, the home side kicked forward, Carys Slack and Dufresnoy put in a well timed chase, which resulted in an attacking five metre scrum, from which skipper Chloe Jones was provided with quick ball and enough space to crash in for another great unconverted score to the delight of her team mates and the large crowd. Both sides then traded territory in a seesaw last ten minutes, which saw both sides having to defend resolutely as each pressed to make a decisive score. Eventually fatigue in the home defence and some very determined attacking from the Reds saw them score the final points of what had been a frenetic, exciting match to leave the score line deservedly at 32-17 to the home side, who were truly ecstatic to have secured the second victory of their short season to date and to have inflicted the first ever loss on the vastly more experienced Reds squad.

After the game Pembroke coach Rob Griffiths was extremely pleased with his squad’s effort, discipline, handling skills and determination in defence, which he felt all mounted up to a very well deserved home win; whilst his players were absolutely delighted to have avenged their way loss to the Reds some weeks before. Referee Andrew Johnson also congratulated both sides on a marvellously entertaining and hard fought encounter. Everyone then retired for hospitality , during which the supporters from both sides congratulated the players on a very enjoyable match. The whole club is delighted to see our women doing so well and enjoying the game and their management team welcome any new recruits wanting to join the squad, which trains on a Monday and Wednesday evening. Contact details for the section are displayed inside the clubhouse for anyone wanting to join up.

SECOND XV

The Tigers were not in action over the last weekend, but they will to be playing Crymych away tomorrow, KO 2.30pm.

YOUTH

Pembroke Youth travelled to Crymych to play on Saturday, in beautifully warm, sunny spring conditions. The game began well for Pembroke, when after a period of pressure livewire flanker Tommy John timed his run perfectly to spin and dive over to score a well deserved try, but the conversion was missed. The Crymych youngsters then enjoyed a period of pressure playing down the slope in the first half; however, resolute defence led by strong tackling centres James JJ Jones and Tom O’Neill managed to keep them at bay. The Pembroke forwards began to apply pressure at set pieces with props Evan Phillips and Liam Brunton and assisted by locks ‘Judo’ Jon Wood and Josh Axon working hard. The lineout also functioned well with Theo Davies and Leon Stewart winning good ball. After a good box kick by Pembroke scrum half Jared Sherratt, the Crymych youngsters conceded a penalty on their 10m line. The Pembroke side elected to kick for the posts but unfortunately the kick from outside half Kyren Gray sailed wide. From the resulting restart, the Pembroke side continued to apply pressure and strong running from the forwards saw prop Brunton held up short by the solid Crymych defence. From a lineout on the twenty two metre line, the visitor’s forwards set up a drive well led by number 8 Davies and were unlucky not to score. Then from a five metre scrum Davies picked up and drove for the line with winger Aaron O’Neill outside him a try looked to be a certainty, but good home scramble defence forced the winger into touch. Still the Pembroke lads applied pressure and eventually after a number of phases decided to spread the ball wide, unfortunately this resulted in a turnover and from deep in their own twenty two, the Crymych backs showed great pace and support to race the length of the pitch to touchdown. The resulting conversion was successful to give Crymych a 7-5 lead. From the kick off the Pembroke youngsters were caught napping and Crymych moved the ball wide and a strong run from their left winger saw him crossing for another try, the conversion was again successful to increase the lead and this remained the score until half time.

In the second half, playing with the slope, Pembroke expected to apply pressure and add to the score line. However, it was the home team who began the livelier and after a period of pressure scored in the corner to make the score 19 – 5. Pembroke then began to exert some pressure and strong running from hooker Shane Gwyther and the lively flanker Stewart set up good position in the Crymych half. It was from one of these positions that flanker Tommy John crashed through the middle and only a desperate tap tackle denied a further try. Pembroke centre and skipper JJ then also broke only to be held up by the strong Crymych defence. Crymych then enjoyed a period of territory and possession which resulted in a bonus point try to increase their lead to 24 – 5. Although three scores behind the Pembroke youngsters continued to battle on and eventually after another drive from a lineout hooker Gwyther peeled off and showed good strength and power to score near the posts, the conversion by Sherratt was successful. Pembroke continued to chase the game but could not score any further points so the score at full time was deservedly 24 – 12 to the hosts.

Pembroke now have a rest next week to prepare, before making the short trip to Tenby on the 6th April.

UNDER 17S GROUP

The young squad played at home against Whitland last Sunday on a beautiful spring afternoon, with ground conditions perfect for running rugby in front of a good crowd.

After a very rusty start, due to a month without a game, it took a while for the home team to settle and they gave away two well taken, breakaway tries to the opposition early in the game; both were converted to give the visitors a commanding early lead. The home side rallied and scored two unconverted tries in the second quarter, when they established more territorial advantage and pressure on the visitors, leaving the score after an exciting half, deservedly at 10-14 to Whitland.

The second half was totally dominated by the home side, who really got their act together and strung together some really impressive phases of play, with some excellent handling and interplay between backs and forwards yielding seven unanswered tries. The Pembroke pack dominated most phases of play, releasing a string of clean possession for their talented backs to exploit the space they were creating. Altogether it was an extremely accomplished second half from the home squad, whose coaches were equally ecstatic to have seen their charges produce such a performance, after a very lack lustre start. The try scorers for Pembroke included Eljay Taylor, Evan Sheldon, Morgan Owen and Morgan Watson.

The U17s are out of their Cup competition, but they are due to play a Cornish touring side on April 7th at home. Whilst the U16s are through to their semi-finals and the teams in the draw include Crymych, Aberystwyth and Fishguard; the draw is due during the next week.

JUNIOR SECTION

Whilst the mini’s section was at home, a number of our older teams were competing in their annual Cup competitions last Sunday. The U12s beat Llangwm to progress into the semi-finals, where the other teams include Crymych, H’West, Aberaeron. The U 13s have also progressed to the semi finals alongside Tenby, H’West and St Davids. Whilst the U15s have also made their semi finals, with Cardigan, Fishguard and Tenby. All now await the outcome of the draws. The club wishes them continued success and hope they make Finals Day on May 5th, which will be at our club this year.

Under 11s

Pembroke RFC Under 11’s recently took part in an Interactive Kids eye health evening at Specsavers, Pembroke Dock as part of a new partnership in which Specsavers provided sponsorship for the under 11’s. Using the sponsorship funds each player was provided with hooded jumpers (See Pictures). Specsavers were keen to sponsor the age group as they are keen to promote the importance of children’s eye health. Ellie Thomas-Wigley and Andrew Williams from Specsavers gave a presentation to the children before they were split into groups to start an interactive experience with the staff covering all aspects of the importance of eye health. Ellie Thomas-Wigley commented, ”Andrew and I are passionate about building awareness of kids eye health and we hope our interactive session

achieved that”. Kids get a free eye test and a voucher towards specs and no matter where they go for their examination, we just hope they all have up to date sight tests. All the players thoroughly enjoyed the experience and Pembroke RFC U11’s look forward to wearing the new tops on their upcoming tour to Trecco Bay at the end of April.