FIRST TEAM

After a highly successful previous weekend for the club, on and off the field, the senior squad continued its pre-season preparation by entertaining Nantgaredig RFC in a friendly match at Crickmarren last Saturday.

Due to holidays and work commitments, both teams were missing a few key personnel for the match, which was played in sunny, warm, but breezy conditions.

Nant had finished their last season in fourth place, just as Pembroke had in a parallel league, so expectation was high from both sets of coaches and players.

The coaches had agreed to play two full halves, with rolling substitutions, to ensure that all members of both squads would get adequate game time.

On a perfect surface, the teams produced a highly entertaining match, with both demonstrating the ability to play some skilful, high tempo rugby, which delighted a large crowd.

Nant started well by taking the ball against the head in the first scrum, setting their dangerous backs on the charge early on; they spent the first five minutes in the home half, but were repelled by some stout and determined Pembroke defence and excellent defensive kicking from scrum-half Tom Lewis.

For the the remainder of the first quarter, both teams exchanged forays into their opponents’ halves, but solid defence from both teams saw the scoreline remain 0-0.

Then on the stroke of the second quarter, from an excellent penalty kick out of hand by Pembroke outside-half Ryan Wilkins deep into the Nant 22 area, the home forwards secured lineout ball, mauled forward, then a superb slip pass by wing forward Harry Owen sent winger Barry Alderman John in for a try in the left corner at the Lamphey end, which was superbly converted by Sean Dalling in blustery conditions.

Nant’s dangerous backline, supplied by their enthusiastic forwards, continued to probe the home defence from all areas, but they remained scoreless, due to stout home defence. Then, after 34 minutes, from another long, accurate Wilkins penalty, the home forwards forced their way forward and released prop Jamie Brayford to crash over for a well-earned try, again very ably converted by Dalling from wide out on the left.

Three minutes later, after some excellent combined play between the home forwards and backs, young centre Elliott Evans rode a tackle 10 metres short and fed his co-centre Dom Coleman, who ran in another deserved try, which again was converted by Dalling, who was having a great day with the boot.

Nant then mounted a last-ditch attack just before the break, but failed to score, leaving the half-time score 21-0 to Pembroke.

Pembroke started the second half in a similar manner and pressurised the Nant line for 10 minutes, but determined defence denied them a score. Then 11 minutes in, the Nant forwards and backs combined well, moved the ball wide just outside the home 22, which resulted in their centre running in a deserved try, which was not converted.

Pembroke’s pack, having been stung into action, after some early scrum reversals, worked with more confidence and produced some good possession for their backline, but they could not penetrate a determined Nant defence as the third quarter ended.

Both sets of coaches made a number of changes throughout the half, but the fourth quarter certainly belonged to Nant, who grew in confidence after a 23rd minute try wide out on the right, by their right wing, after some scrappy home defence, which was ably converted by their second row forward.

Whilst they built on this momentum, Pembroke fell away and were confined to defence. Three minutes later, after some good approach work by their forwards, Nant’s outside-half was released and he went in under the posts for a well-deserved team try, which was converted by the same player; taking the score to 21-19.

Nant’s number 10 and centres made full use of the wind behind them, regularly kicking deep into Pembroke territory and making the home side work hard to regain territory.

The final score of this very entertaining match, was to be taken by Nant. After a sustained period of pressure, which saw the home defence stretched in all directions, eventually the Nant forwards pressed towards the home line and their tall second row crashed over for a well-deserved try, which he converted to take the visitors into a 26-21 lead.

Pembroke tried hard to respond and probed deep into their opponents’ territory, but a determined Nant defence throughout the last five minutes, kept the home side at bay and the visibly delighted visitors secured a well-earned result.

Afterwards, both sets of players expressed their delight at having participated in such an enjoyable and highly contested game, whilst their respective coaches were very pleased with the efforts of their squads. Pembroke had been challenged by the enthusiastic and resolute performance of Nant and their coaches were delighted that their charges had been stretched, as this was excellent preparation prior to the league programme starting in two weeks.

Pembroke announced young scrum-half Tom Lewis as their man-of-the-match, while Nant rewarded their young, try scoring, conversion kicking second row as theirs.

Meanwhile, both sets of supporters expressed their thanks to the players for a tremendous afternoon’s entertainment as they left the field.

The Pembroke first team squad will travel to Lampeter tomorrow (Saturday) for their final pre-season fixture, prior to taking on Neyland at home on September 2, in the first League 3 West (A) match of the new season, kick-off at 2.30pm.

SENIOR SQUAD FRIENDLY

The squad will play a fixture against Llangwm at home tonight (Friday) at 7 pm. The match represents another opportunity for players to gain game time and push for selection in preparation for the start of the League season at home to Neyland next week.

JUNIOR

REGISTRATION DAY

All Junior age group players will need to attend and complete the formal registration process on Sunday, September 3, starting in the clubhouse at 10 am. Parents/carers will also then have an opportunity to discuss any issues and confirm the training nights with the Junior committee and coaches. All Junior players must be registered in order to participate in the season’s fixtures.

MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS

These are now due, the usual envelopes are available from the steward on request at the club bar. The club always welcomes new members and they can follow the same procedure.

150-plus CLUB

New members to this draw are always welcomed. Mary James has mandate forms available on match days for anyone wishing to join the monthly draw. There is a prize of £500 each alternate month and in other months prizes are £80, £50 and £25.

The August winners were: £80 Andrew Skeels, £50 Geraint Lewis, £25 Russell Smit - congratulations to all of them.

NEW SEASON SENIOR KIT SPONSORS

The senior team’s new kit for the season has been sponsored by ESS Safeforce, Cape Engineering, Sealand (Pembroke) Ltd, R.S Groundworks and Edwards Coaches. The club committee is very grateful for the generous ongoing support from these local companies.

.