After a poor run of form and results, which had seen them lose away to Abercrave in the WRU Div 3 Cup by 28-7, Pembroke were made to fight hard to gain the bragging rights at Bierspool last Saturday against local rivals Pembroke Dock Quins in this Division Three (West) A clash.

It was a full blooded encounter that saw both sides battle hard throughout a tense affair in heavy conditions, in front of a huge partisan crowd.

Quins took the lead with a well crafted, converted try in the first half, which was matched when the visitor’s athletic No 8 Kinnear crashed over after great work from his industrious forwards, who dominated at the set piece for most of the game.

The second half saw the game seesaw and both sides defend resolutely, until the stalemate was broken, after more great build up from the Pembroke forwards and backs combining well to put livewire lock Williamson in space to crash over for the decisive score.

Quins worked hard to retaliate, but stubborn defence eventually won the day 7-12 for a jubilant Pembroke squad.

The First XV are now due to play Cardigan home on December 30 KO 2.30 pm.

The Panthers have not been in action for some weeks. But they received some exciting news for one of their star players, Pearl Griffiths, who has been chosen to train with one of the two new WRU women’s franchise squads that will complete in the expanded Celtic League, which is one level below professional level and begins in January ’24. Everyone at the club wishes her every success.

The Youth travelled to play Merthyr in the WRU National Youth Cup on Saturday Dec 9 in a late kick off on their 4G senior pitch.

After a very exciting match, which saw the home side take an early lead, the Pembroke youngsters rallied and fought back well, but eventually the home side found a way to win and ended up winning by 27-19.

However, it turned out that the home side declared uncontested scrums on arrival that contravened competition regulations and has been challenged.

The match versus Fishguard last Saturday was cancelled by the opposition, who could not raise a side.

Congratulations to Brynley Brown on winning the £500 November prize in the Monthly draw. Anyone interested in joining the draw should see Mary James for the necessary forms.

The club held a very successful children’s Christmas party last Sunday, when Santa presented presents to a large number of very excited young children.

There will be the usual match day at the club on Boxing Day and there will be a New Year’s Eve party (ticket entrance only) starring local musical stars, tickets available at club bar. Winners of this year’s Turkey Trots should go to collect their birds on Christmas Eve after 7pm.

The directors and management committee wish to thank everyone associated with the on and off field activities, their most sincere thanks for all of their efforts during 2023, a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2024.

The thoughts of everyone too are with those who are ill, in hospital or who have lost loved ones during the year and especially in recent months.