FIRST XV

After an excellent winning start to their season, the senior team travelled to neighbours Milford Haven rekindling thoughts of a truly memorable encounter at the Observatory Field early last season in the WRU Bowl, when Pembroke took the honours, only to lose out to their opponents later in the league campaign.

However, it was the home side that took the bragging rights on this occasion in a thrilling encounter in front of a large crowd, in dry, breezy conditions, on a good surface.

Both sides produced some excellent rugby in spells throughout the match, but the visitors were unable to capitalise on their dominant position in the early stages of the match, which allowed them to build up a large, well-deserved 22-0 scoreline.

Milford mounted a number of concerted attacks, through a combination of their forwards and backs, who linked very effectively to pierce a stretched and tiring Pembroke defence to claw their way back, retake and hold onto a lead under pressure from a number of late Pembroke attacks.

Consequently, Milford ended up deservedly winning this tense and exciting affair by 34-31, therefore inflicting a first loss of the season on their very disappointed visitors.

The Pembroke coaches paid tribute to their counterparts for a determined and resolute performance and praised their own squad for their part in a great match, whilst acknowledging that there are aspects of their performance that will require reassessment, before the home match against Tregaron tomorrow (Saturday), kick-off 2.30 pm.

SECOND XV

The ‘Tigers’ entertained Whitland and recorded their second home victory of the season over the visitors. The match didn’t begin well for Pembroke when Ben Hughes, Pembroke’s captain on loan to Whitland, scored the opening try of the match which was converted to give the visitors a 7-0 lead.

An injury to Dan Gosnold in the early minutes of the match also did not help the Pembroke cause, as he had had a very influential, impact whilst on the field. However, the team responded well with good handling and interplay between backs and forwards, which resulted in wing Jared Howells scoring wide out.

The second Pembroke try came soon afterwards, when again after good handling from the backline, James Davies scored in the same corner. 10-7 to Pembroke.

Pembroke then scored their third try, after a bustling charge and good offload by prop Jamie Brayford saw young fly-half Yori Roberts, thanks to great ‘juggling’ skills, cross under the posts; this time Pembroke converted.

Whitland came back strongly, scoring an unconverted try to make the half-time score 17-12 to Pembroke.

The second half continued like the first half, with both teams throwing the ball around and testing each other’s defences at every opportunity.

Pembroke’s threequarters added two further tries from centre Rhys Johns and winger Jared Howells scoring his second.

Whitland then scored a try after excellent work by their forwards, who crashed over.

In the last 15 minutes of the match, Whitland’s defence tired and Pembroke scored four additional tries, two excellent efforts from substitute back row forward Aran Williams, followed by team tries finished off by some individual flair from Rhys Mainwaring and Jared Howells, who completed a personal hat-trick.

At the final whistle, the referee congratulated both teams on a thoroughly entertaining game, which ended with Pembroke winning 49-17.

YOUTH XV

The Youth team welcomed Aberaeron to Crickmarren and from the outset the visitors showed they were determined to move the ball and play an expansive game. Pembroke responded in kind and set up a thrilling encounter, which entertained a large crowd of supporters.

After an even 10 minutes, when both teams tested their opponents’ defences, Pembroke were first to score after excellent combined work from their forwards and backs, opened up the visitors’ defence.

The home team continued to apply pressure throughout the first half and were rewarded with two more well-worked team tries, leaving them ahead at the break.

Pembroke continued in the same vein throughout the whole second half, with the pack really dominating proceedings and supplying their eager backs with quick, quality ball in all areas of the field.

All of this hard graft yielded eight more tries for the home side across the whole half. Meanwhile, not to be outdone, the visitors mounted sporadic, well-constructed attacks and scored two very well-taken tries of their own after sound approach work.

However, Pembroke’s stunning combined play from a determined and skilful squad cemented a memorable win by 65-12.

The home coaching team was delighted by the spirit, skills and cutting edge demonstrated by their squad, whilst they were very complimentary about the performance of the visitors, despite having been well beaten.

Scorers for Pembroke were skipper Tom Harding-Jones (2), Harry Turner, Harry Dawe, Tommy John, Morgan Thomas, Shane Gwyther, Billy Kinnear, Tom O’Niell.

150-plus CLUB

Congratulations to the £500 winner for September, who is Mr. Nick Shiels. Anyone wanting to join the group should see Mary James for mandate forms.

CLUB GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

The first quiz will take place on Friday, October 27, starting at 7.30 pm. All teams of four to six are welcome to come along, entry fee is £3 per head and some light refreshments will be available.

RUNNING FOR LILY

A large contingent of ex-players and members and friends will be walking and or running the Cardiff Half Marathon course this Sunday, October 2, in order to raise funds for Lily Mackett, daughter of Australian, Pembroke ex-player, Joff Mackett.

Lily was involved in a serious accident some time ago and requires ongoing multiple treatments away from home. Consequently, old friends have decided to assist by raising funds through sponsorship, which will be donated to help her parents provide for her needs.

Here’s wishing all those taking part every success on Sunday.