Pembroke RFC’s First XV entertained a young Tumble squad in their second and final pre season friendly last Saturday, in dry, windy, warm weather, with the pitch in excellent condition.

Both teams adopted an adventurous strategy, taking the ball wide with lots of support, which made for an entertaining match throughout. Tumble’s backs proved a capable, speedy unit from broken play and stressed the home defence on numerous occasions.

Tumble scored the first try after five minutes, the home side hit back with three tries and the visitors scored another just before the break, to leave the score at 22-17 to Pembroke at the break.

The second half was equally well contested with both sides cancelling out each others attacks with obdurate defence.

The home side made too many errors in critical phases and failed to extend their lead.

The visitors made the most of late opportunities to run from deep and very late in the game their dangerous backs ran in a try from their own half to take the lead, which they added to when awarded and converted a penalty to give them a win by 22-27.

The game had been very ably controlled by Colin Phillips and the large, appreciative crowd applauded the teams from the field. Pembroke’s Head Coach Gary Price commented that he was pleased with the performance but realises his squad needs to improve in many areas in preparation for the challenges ahead.

The First XV play Llangwm at home tonight in the first round of the Pembs KO Cup, KO 7pm. The first League fixture is against Llanybydder away on September 2, KO 2.30 pm.

Three of the U18s squad have been selected to represent the Scarlets region at U17 and U18 level.

Sadly, Owen Rickard was injured in training and will be out of action for a few weeks, whilst Bowyn Clark came off the bench for twenty minutes as his group beat Dragons and he hopes to play against Cardiff Blues tonight, meanwhile Keanu Williams has been chosen to play against Holland students at Llandovery tonight. We wish them success as they progress their rugby journeys.

Congratulations to Harry Edwards on winning the £500 prize in the club’s 150 Club monthly draw for July.

There are still places available to join this draw and anyone interested should see Mary James.

This week the club will say a farewell to a former Captain (who also played cricket for Pembroke for many years) in Keith Hulbert. Keith was a highly respected and well loved character, who will always be very fondly remembered for his singing, humour and total commitment to his sports.

Thoughts are with his family and close friends.