WHILST Pembroke RFC First XV have not played for the least two weekends, the Youth squad has been in action on both, in two very entertaining matches, away at Narberth and home to Neyland, writes Darrell Willington.

Both games were try fests, with both sides trading territory and possession throughout the whole duration.

The Narberth match was played in very cold, windy wet conditions, but despite this both sides played some excellent handling rugby.

The home established an early lead but Pembroke struck back, before losing a forward to a red card after 20 minutes.

Despite being a man down the visitors kept pressing and scored just before the break, which saw the home side lead 21-14.

The extra man proved decisive in the second half and as the visitors tired the Narberth players controlled lots of possession and scored five more tries to Pembroke’s two to build a sizeable lead and eventually run out worthy winners by 52-24.

The Neyland game proved almost a carbon copy in terms of the stats.

Neyland were a good all-round outfit, with a strong pack allied to some well drilled backs, with pace on both wings.

Pembroke defended for long periods, but they too mounted many successful attacks and scored some very good tries, which left the score at 12-27 at the break.

In the second half the game continued to ebb and flow in all directions, with both sides playing some flowing rugby; the try count was four to three in the visitor’s favour and they eventually claimed a worthy win by 27-51, in front of a large, very appreciative crowd.

On Sunday, the Panthers travelled to Treorchy in the WRU Bowl quarter final, with a truncated squad.

The match was played on a very difficult surface after recent weather, in challenging weather conditions.

The home side were a tenacious opponent and kept their visitors under pressure throughout the match.

However, the Panthers mounted a serious challenge and scored two very goods tries, but their hosts scored one more and eventually ran out narrow winners by 17-13.

Up coming fixtures include First XV play Llangwm away this weekend, the Youth play Fishguard at home on Saturday KO 2.30pm and the Panthers are due to play Tycroes away on Sunday KO 2.30pm.

The Youth section and club received the sad news of the recent passing of young player Dylan Lee’s father Chris. Everyone at the club sends their most sincere condolences and thoughts are with the whole family and close friends at this time.

Social events in the coming months include two quizzes on Fridays, January 23 and February 13, starting at 7.15pm for teams of 4-6, everyone welcome. February 7 there’s the televised England v Wales rugby international, this will be followed by entertainment and hospitality at the clubhouse.