PEMBROKE RFC hosted the annual Exiles match on Boxing Day. The dry weather brought out a huge crowd and the Exiles had assembled a formidable array of past players, with a number of father and son’s, bothers and other relative combinations facing each other.

The game proved very competitive in the first half with both sides trading territorial and possession advantage throughout. The Exiles put the club team under relentless pressure at times and their energy and experience saw them score some impressive tries. But the home team’s pack proved a real positive and put their backs in range to score equally impressive scores, leaving the club side narrowly ahead at the break.

After multiple changes at the break, triggered by the pace of the initial half , both sides settled, but the club team imposed themselves and their superior fitness proved a crucial factor allowing them to stretch the Exiles and score a large number of well taken tries in the half to build a big lead that they maintained to the end, winning by a large margin.

After the game that was sponsored as always by the Gibby Family (West Windmill Farm) in memory of Jenny who serv ed for so many years on the Ladies Committee, the “Jenny Gibby Cup” was presented to Club Captain Lloyd Davies by the family. The players and supporters then enjoyed marvelous hospitality provided by the Gibby family and the enthusiastically joined in with the festive sing song.

Upcoming fixtures include: the Youth play Narberth away on Jan 3, Neyland home Jan 10, Fishguard home Jan 17, whilst the Panthers return to action on Jan 4 away to Morriston, having gained huge confidence from their recent WRU Bowl win. The First XV are due to play Llangwm away Jan 17 and Crymych home Jan 24.

Social events in the new year include a members get together for New Years Eve, two club quizzes for Fridays Jan 23 and Feb 13, for teams of 4-6, starting at 7.15pm, everyone very welcome to come along. The much anticipated Six Nations tournament kicks off on Feb 5, everyone is welcome to come along to watch matches in the clubhouse.

The Directors and Management Committee wish all players, coaches, members, sponsors and supporters a very Happy New Year.