The First XV travelled to take on a supplemented Teirw Crymych (Crymych’s second string) last weekend in sunny, warm conditions; injuries and work commitments meant the Pembroke side were well below strength, but keen to add to recent good form.

The match was played at a high tempo from the off, with the home side starting more positively. The visitors defended well and mounted a number of attacks to keep the home side on their metal. The home side asserted themselves in both halves and converted their opportunities to lead at the break. The second half saw the home side open up a big lead, despite the visitors scoring two well-crafted tries and they maintained and built on their lead to deservedly win by 35-14.

The U17s had their first run out of the season, playing a friendly against Llangwm at home. The two squads are preparing for their first-round matches in the annual Mike Fry Cup competition and so there was a degree of experimentation from both sets of coaches, who had agreed to play three equal sessions.

The first session saw the sides trade territory and possession as the game seesawed between the two halves. The visitors scored first, after good approach work. Minutes later the home side added a converted try to take the lead. The visitors kept the home side at bay for the remainder of this session, whilst adding twelve points to lead 7-17 at the first break.

More enterprising play ensued and the home side began to assert greater control, with their backs and forwards combining well. Some slick handling and strong running from Pembroke’s forwards brought two more tries (one converted) to Llangwm’s solitary try, which gave the home side a three-point lead at the second break.

The third session saw a lot of very powerful and determined drives from the home side’s forwards in particular, which provided lots of opportunities that lead to them scoring four more excellent tries to another single effort from the visitors, who had been forced to defend for long periods in what was a very entertaining match before a large crowd; the home side eventually winning by 43-29.

Congratulations to Panther’s Pearl Griffiths, who recently played her first match for the Niners Women’s Divisional Police Squad; she scored a try and was awarded Player of the Match.

All ten junior age groups were in action against H’West, with all coaches reporting excellent performances and individual awards for outstanding young players.

With the Six Nations dominating the next two Saturdays, the First XV have two remaining League fixtures away in Neyland and St Davids, St Davids April 12, whilst the date for the Neyland game is either March 28 or 29 (tbc). The Panthers are due to play West Swansea Hawks home March 9, KO 2.30pm then Tumble away March 16. The Youth are due to play Neyland and Narberth at the end of this month.

The Directors, Management Committee and members are grateful to Jewsons and especially ex-players Joe Jackson and James Davies (and a number of other contractors) for all their hard work in completing the recent refurbishment of the grant-funded toilets project. Similarly, for the diligence of committee members in securing grants for the upcoming installation of a bank of solar panels and associated storage infrastructure.