PEMBROKE First XV were home to Neyland in a bottom versus top of the table clash last Saturday, on a dry, sunny, warm day with a slight breeze.
After a very good performance in Narberth last weekend, the Pembroke side were confident they might upset their neighbours in this local derby, which turned into a real humdinger of a game, which kept the supporters of both sides tense throughout.
Pembroke struck first with a penalty after only a few minutes and were then forced to defend resolutely as the visitors exerted authority as their backs and forwards combined really well to score four tries (two converted) in the space of 17 minutes to establish a commanding and well deserved lead.
The home side, after excellent work by their forwards close to the Neyalnd line saw lock Weatherall crash over to narrow the gap at the break.
The third quarter saw the home side come back into the game, holding the visitors out on numerous occasions, whilst mounting more frequent attacks of their own.
However, the visitors forwards were relentless and opened up the home defence allowing their backs to score two more tries to open up a very sizeable lead.
After this Neyland relaxed and the home side grew in confidence, scoring three excellent, converted tries in 10 minutes to reduce the visitor’s lead and set up a very tense finish final few minutes.
However, despite more determined attempts the home side failed to make further inroads into Neyland’s ten point lead and this tremendously exciting and entertaining match finished 31-41 in the visitors’ favour.
The squad have one week off and are due to play Llanybydder away on November 2, with Newcastle Emlyn Dragons at home on November 9; they have been drawn at home against PD Quins in the first round of the Pembs KO Plate on November 23, all matches KO 2.30pm.
The Panthers were not inaction, but they are due to play Tumble at home on November 3rd, KO 2.30pm.
The Youth were in action at home against Tenby last Friday evening, in very challenging weather conditions.
The match proved another tough outing for the home squad and Tenby proved too strong winning by a large margin.
The Youth coaches were pleased with certain aspects of the performance of some of their young squad, who also know they have a lot to assimilate to improve.
The junior section were out in force across the whole district with mixed success.
Under 16s scrum half Dafydd Killian, who played last Friday evening for the Pembrokeshire Dewar Shieldsquad against Llanelli Schools; the Pembs squad won and remained unbeaten this season to date, thus qualifying for the last eight in this pan Wales competition for the first time in many years.
Everyone at the club was very upset to hear the sad news last week of the passing of Glenys Williams, wife of the late PRFC Chair David ‘Dai’ Williams.
Glenys had been in a home and unwell for some time. Everyone sends their most sincere condolences to son Ian and his family and all close friends, and our thoughts are with them all at this time.
The Ladies Committee are holding a Halloween Market this coming Sunday October 27th at the clubhouse, when everyone is welcome to visit and view what’s on sale on a myriad of stalls; the usual hospitality will also be on offer for all visitors.
The weekly coffee mornings are proving a massive hit, with around 40 people regularly attending between 10am and midday. Anyone is welcome to come along to chat, reminisce, enjoy company and the usual hospitality.