Pembroke travelled to Lampeter to play their last pre-season fixture on a very warm and sunny Saturday. The game started well with both sides wanting to play attacking rugby and from an early driving lineout, tighthead Johnny Palmer crashed over for the opening try of the game, which was converted by fullback Luke Hartland.

Lampeter responded quickly with a well-taken try wide out after some good combined build up, but their kicker missed the conversion.

Pembroke’s second try came from a long clearing kick from Lampeter which was fielded deep in his own 22 by fullback Luke Hartland (who had an excellent all-round game); he set off on a blistering run up to halfway, fed centre Toby Smith, who cut a great angle to score near the posts. The try again was ably converted by Luke Hartland to make it 14-5.

Both sides continued to play attacking rugby on a superb pitch and Lampeter were next to get on the score sheet with a converted, penalty try to reduce the score to 14-12.

Pembroke then retaliated quickly with a third try from number eight Sam Smith (who was part of an excellent Pembroke back row including Jordan Evans and Harry Owen), who charged over from a driving lineout to make the score 19-12.

The see-saw first half saw Lampeter score a converted try, just before half-time to make the score 19-19 at the break.

Pembroke started the second half strongly and after a fine move involving many pairs of hands, winger Barry Alderman John jinked his way over wide out for an excellent team try to make the score 24-19.

Pembroke were now getting on top in this excellent game, with their scrum proving dominant and new captain Scott Powell leading by example.

The visitors scored their fifth try with a move straight off the training park through influential centre Toby Smith; this was converted by Luke Hartland to make the score 31-19.

Pembroke had a strong bench and started to bring on fresh legs and the influential Sam Smith then ploughed over for his second try and Pembroke’s sixth, which went unconverted, to make the score 36-19.

Lampeter responded through some excellent combined play between their forwards and backs to score their only try of the second half to make the score 36-24.

Pembroke, now in the ascendency and full of confidence, scored their seventh try through centre Simon Hooper, after an excellent blindside move, which was converted from wide out by James Davies (returning to action after a two-year absence through injury), to make the score 43-24.

The visitors continued to pressurise their opponents and an eighth and final try came from scrum-half Tom Lewis, who pounced on loose ball near the halfway line to out-sprint the defence and score under the posts; he converted the try himself to make the final score Lampeter 24 Pembroke 50.

This was a tremendously exciting and confident performance from the whole Pembroke squad, who have had three very good pre-season matches, which should stand them in good stead prior to starting their league campaign against Neyland at home next weekend.

Pembroke flanker, Harry Owen was named man-of-the-match for the visitors.

Both sides showed ambition and played their part in a very quick, skilful and entertaining game, in very hot conditions.

Pembroke thanked the Lampeter club for their first class welcome and post-match hospitality and wished them every success for the season ahead.

Pembroke XV was: Luke Hartland, Elliot Evans, Dom Colman, Toby Smith, Barry John, Ryan Wilkins, Tom Lewis, Sam Smith, Harry Owen, Jordan Evans, Cyle Wetherall, Scott Powell (capt) Johnny Palmer, Seamus Wiseman, Lloyd Davies. Replacements - Max Hayward, Will Edwards, Alex Wilkes, Jim Brace, Rhodri Walters, Simon Hooper, James Davies.

PEMBROKESHIRE

KO CUP

Pembroke are due to play Fishguard in the next round of the cup at home, but the date has yet to be confirmed.

SECOND XV

The team gets underway with a home fixture against Haverfordwest tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off at 2.30pm.

YOUTH XV

The Youth are due to open their season at Haverfordwest, this (Friday) evening, kick-off 7 pm.

JUNIOR SECTION REGISTRATION DAY

This will be taking place at the clubhouse this Sunday, September 3, starting at 10 am. All Junior players must be registered in order to participate in matrix and other friendly matches. The club welcomes any new players, who should follow the same procedure. The day is also an opportunity for parents/carers to discuss issues with the coaches.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

All members are asked to complete and submit their envelopes asap to Karen Fortune, or to the club steward to pass on. The club welcomes new members, who need to get envelopes from the steward.

INTERNATIONAL TICKETS

These need to be ordered using the slip in the Membership Handbook all members receive. The deadline dates for submission are in the booklet and tickets can be paid for and picked up from Keith Nicholas at K & K Insurance, Main Street, Pembroke. Only fully paid up members, or life members can apply.

150-Plus CLUB

August winners were: £80 - Andrew Skeels; £50 - Geraint Lewis; £25 - Russell Smith.

If anyone wants to join they should see Mary James for the relevant mandate forms.

BOOKING CLUB FACILITIES

The club’s newly refurbished rooms are available for bookings for birthday and celebration parties, christenings, wakes, etc. Application forms are available from the club steward. All applications are subject to approval by the club’s general committee and the person(s) booking being fully paid up club members.