PEMBROKE First XV entertained Llangwm last Saturday afternoon in the second leg for the Palmer Cup, played for in memory of members of Llangwm’s Palmer family, writes Darrell Willington.

Pembroke held a 29 point lead for the cup from the first match played before Christmas.

Both sides had young debutants, with Pembroke’s young lock Lewis Dennison and his opposite number relishing the challenge.

Llangwm started with a bang with permit centre James, snatching an interception try seconds after the kick off to get his side off to a flying start.

Minutes later after both sides traded territory, Llangwm struck again, after phases in the home twenty-two their second row stepped a few defenders to crash over.

Pembroke lost scrum half Williams to a leg injury and after a reshuffle came into the game far more, with their forwards and backs combining well to put centre Johns in for a try from close range.

Minutes later, in this high tempo affair, Llangwm centre James stepped well to put himself in space to run 30 metres to score a good individual try.

Then with seconds to go to the break, the home side’s pack forged a position, allowing second row Jones to crash over for a well-deserved, converted try to narrow the gap to 14-19 after a frenetic, entertaining first half.

Llangwm started the second half in the same mode as the first, creating through some excellent handling a score for their right wing from the start.

After this the teams traded territory and possession throughout the half, stressing each other’s defenses continually, until a home penalty saw them win a lineout close to the Llangwm line and produce a successful driving maul that resulted in a converted try to bring scores to 21-24.

The tension got to the players with both sides striving to get a win and late yellow cards didn’t help either.

Eventually Llangwm held out under severe, late pressure to claim the win, whilst Pembroke had maintained enough of a margin to claim the Palmer Cup again this season.

The Panthers home match against Tumble at home Sunday was cancelled as Tumble were unable to field a side. Whilst the Youth did not travel to Crymych as no officials were available.

The Junior age groups were out in force across the county with mixed outcomes, while the U16s lost at home to Haverfordwest in their cup match.

With the Six Nations super Saturday finale this week there are no Saturday fixtures, however upcoming fixtures include, First XV play Crymych at home tonight, Wednesday, 11 March with a 7pm kick off and Saturday, 21 March St Davids away. The Panthers travel to Tumble on Sunday, 22 March and host Morriston on Sunday, 29 March. Youth and U17 Mike Fry Cup fixtures resume in April.

Club representatives recently attended the funerals for the highly respected and very popular local rugby men, Tim Poole (WRU and latterly Tenby Athletic) and Alun Jenkins (Laugharne). Everyone at the club sent their heart felt condolences to their families and close friends.