IN dry, warm, breezy weather Pembroke First XV entertained unbeaten league leaders Pontyberem at Crickmarren last Saturday in front of an enthusiastic crowd, keen to see if their eager squad could cause an upset, writes Darrell Willington.

Pembroke started very well pinning the visitors into their half from the off, with excellent passages of phase play that saw their backs and forwards making very few errors.

The pressure told and only minutes into the game they converted a penalty to take the lead.

The visitors settled a little and pressed the home defence which stood firm, until a driving maul from a lineout saw them score a converted try.

Minutes later, the home side put a penalty deep into the visitor’s final ten and from the ensuing lineout prop Palmer crashed over for an unconverted try.

The visitors struck back immediately with a penalty for an infringement at the breakdown.

With five minutes remaining, the home side’s forwards and backs were in unison again freeing wing Stratford to run in unopposed to give his side a worthy half time lead, after they had had the majority of territory and possession during the half.

Both sides made changes to start the second half and Pont’s bench had an immediate effect; their forwards upped the tempo and despite some very determined home defence they scored three tries in twenty minutes to open up a big lead, which was enhanced with another try after thirty minutes.

Undaunted, the home side mounted numerous unsuccessful attacks, being held up over the line on three occasions in the last ten minutes; but eventually they did score a well worked converted try, but too late to get the result they had so wished for, leaving the visitors winners by 20-32, in what had been a thoroughly exciting and entertaining encounter.

Upcoming fixtures include, First XV Llangwm home on Saturday KO 2.30pm, Crymych home Wednesday 11th KO 7pm, Sunday 8th Panthers have Tumble home KO 2.30pm, Youth are in Crymych, U16s play their Cup match at home Sunday am (other junior sides are now playing in Cup and Festival matches to qualify for the May Finals Day to be held at Pembroke).

Congratulations to the following prize winners in the February Monthly Draw, £100 Harry Edwards, £75 Wendy James and £50 Jane Williams

There’s a Curry & Quiz night on March 20 at the clubhouse, starting at 7pm in aid of Sarcoma UK.

The events committee has already sold out on tickets for the very popular April 11 Bottomless Brunch and are planning a huge Charity Fun Day for August 8, in aid of Sarcoma UK.

The popular weekly Thursday Coffee mornings continue at 10am to midday, all are welcome. The final two rounds of this year’s fascinating Six Nations are still to be played, everyone welcome to go along and watch in the club. The club will be holding a fundraising BBQ at Cresswell Quay on Wednesday April 8 starting at 5pm.

In recent weeks the club has received news of the passing of Stella Dow, Charlie Webb and Terry James, our thoughts are with their families and close friends.