FIRST XV

The senior squad entertained Laugharne last weekend, on a sunny, cool, breezy day. Both teams are renowned for their ability to play an expansive game and the ground conditions certainly favoured such a game plan.

Pembroke had beaten the visitors twice before this season, in league and WRU Bowl matches, both of which were hotly contested and very entertaining. Laugharne, however, have had a renaissance of their own and had fought their way into third place in the league prior to this match. So they came to Crickmarren, on a beautiful spring day, confident that they could create an upset and put a dent into Pembroke’s league aspirations.

The game started at a very high tempo, with Laugharne determined to make early inroads into Pembroke territory and a clear statement of intent. Both sides from the outset showed their intent to play an expansive game, as the packs produced quick ball and both sets of backs demonstrated they had real pace and skill.

After 11 minutes of trading territory and solid defence from both sides, Pembroke struck the first blow; against the run of play at this time, Pembroke got possession in their own 22, the ball was moved along backs, number 10 Toby Smith chip kicked over the Laugharne backs, which was gathered by centre Shaun Dalling at pace, and he fed co centre Fraser James, who ran 40 metres unopposed, only to side-step the visitors’ fullback and go over for a marvellous score, converted by Dalling.

Six minutes later, again from deep in their own 22, the home side broke from the breakdown, moved the ball left, flanker Rhodri Walters broke through and made 25 metres, before feeding flying wing Barry Alderman John, who weaved his way expertly past a number of floundering defenders to score a wonderful individual effort, which went unconverted.

Pembroke’s scrummage was beginning to establish some dominance at the set-piece, but their lineout was a worry for the coaches. However, it was Pembroke’s defensive resolve that had kept the visitors from scoring in this first quarter.

After 30 minutes, Pembroke flanker Rhodri Walters was yellow carded for a shoulder tackle in midfield. Laugharne used this opportunity to attack the home line, but even after two quick tapped penalties and a total assault, the home defence stood strong and Laugharne were denied.

This was the story of virtually the whole second quarter, which saw Laugharne have greater possession and territory, but they could not get that vital score, which left the half-time score at 12-0 to Pembroke.

The second half started again at a furious pace, with both sides trading possession and territory. After only a few minutes, however, Laugharne kicked out of defence deep into the midfield of the home half, where fullback Luke Hartland fielded a rolling ball and set off to score the try of the season; he jinked his way, at pace, past a large number of flat-footed opponents to score a truly memorable, individual try, which was converted by Dalling, to rapturous applause from the large crowd.

Laugharne came straight back onto the offensive and pressurised the Pembroke line on a number of occasions, only to be repelled by committed and determined home defence.

Hooker Cyle Weatherall then transgressed in the loose and was yellow carded; Laugharne quickly took the penalty, moved the ball wide right through the hands and from a ruck released quick ball, which was fed to their right wing, who crashed over for a deserved first try, which went unconverted.

Soon after, at the start of the last quarter, Pembroke took a quick tap penalty in their own 22, moved it wide, but a pass was intercepted by the Laugharne centre and he crashed in under the home posts for a well-taken, converted try, to bring the score to 19-12 to the home side.

This score seemed to galvanise the home side and five minutes later, Pembroke forged a position just outside the visitors’ 22, retained possession at a ruck, Toby Smith picked up, fed Barry John, who in turn fed lock Will Edwards, who crashed over to finish off a determined, team try, which was converted by Dalling.

Pembroke made full use of their bench as the pace of the game took its toll and these fresh legs certainly made a huge impact, as Laugharne pressed and tried hard to secure vital scores to get back into the game.

A belligerent and hard-working Laugharne side worked really hard and forced many good positions deep in the home half in the last 10 minutes, but determined home defence kept them out for the remainder of the quarter, leaving the final score deservedly at 26-12 to Pembroke, at the end of yet another exciting and very entertaining match between two very good sides.

Whilst the crowd showed their appreciation for both sides at the final whistle, the Pembroke coaches were delighted with another bonus point win, which continues the good run of form and performances in the league; they were also quick to pay tribute to the effort, determination and skill Laugharne had brought to this encounter.

Pembroke now move on to play Haverfordwest (away) in a rearranged fixture tomorrow (Saturday), with further matches against Aberaeron (home) on April 28, Llangwm on Friday, May 4, kick-off 7 pm, Cardigan (away), May 12, and Milford (home), May 19.

PEMBS KO CUP

SEMI-FINAL

The club will play the Quins at Bierspool on either May 8 or 9 (still to be confirmed) in the semi-final of the Pembs KO Cup, and the winners will play Aberystwyth at St. Davids RFC ground, on Wednesday, May 23, kick-off 7 pm. Members can contact the club nearer the time to confirm the date.

YOUTH’S BIG DAY IN CARDIFF FINAL

Unfortunately, the Youth were not in action last weekend, as they could not secure a fixture. However, they are eagerly anticipating their ‘big day’ tomorrow as they travel to the Principality Stadium, Cardiff, to play in their historic first ever WRU Plate Final, kick-off 1.15 pm., which is sandwiched between the Bowl and Cup finals.

Our lads will take on Tondu RFC for the title and the coaches are confident that they can put up a strong challenge.

A large number of dedicated supporters will also be travelling to cheer on the squad on their big day. The coaches will leave the club promptly at 9 am, so all supporters are asked to be prompt.

Everyone at the club wishes the lads every success.

ANNUAL ‘MONKTON OLD BOYS (Jimmy Hulbert)’ YOUTH SEVENS TOURNAMENT

This annual tournament will be taking place on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7, starting at 2 pm. Teams from all over the county annually challenge each other over an exciting series of matches for the ‘Monkton Old Boys Trophy’ and the ‘Pembroke Plate’. Every year this provides an opportunity for all local talent to come to the fore in this exhilarating version of the game. On the day there will be a BBQ and refreshments available for all supporters and visitors.

UNDER 17s

After a very good win in the last round, the squad has won the right to a place in the semi-final of the newly constituted Mike Fry Cup, where they will play either Haverfordwest or Tenby away, who have yet to play their quarter-final fixture.

UNDER 15s

Tondu RFC U15s were the visitors to Crickmarren last weekend. The game was played as a curtain-raiser for the seniors’ match against Laugharne. The game turned out to be a real cracker, between the visitors, who had lost very few games during the season, and a home team that has had a mixed bag of a season. The teams are sen together in the picture below.

Right from the kick-off, both teams played an expansive style and thrilled a large passionate crowd, with their endeavour, determination in defence, and running and passing skills.

Both teams had very tenacious and effective back rows, who challenged each other ferociously in the loose; whilst neither one really came out on top, they produced some excellent possession for the rest of their players and put in huge numbers of tackles in defence.

Both sets of backs, too, showed a lot of skill and produced memorable moments throughout the game, stretching each other’s defences.

Pembroke were the first to score after 15 minutes, when a fumble in midfield by the Tondu backs allowed Pembroke winger Aaron.to show a clean pair of heals to the defenders to sprint across the line for a well-taken converted try.

The sides continued to trade territory throughout the next 15 minutes and Pembroke missed a long range penalty, for an infringement in the loose, in this period.

Just before half-time, after a period of sustained pressure, which saw the Tondu forwards and backs combine well to break deep into home territory, flanker Will Bevan made a decisive break that put him under the posts for his side’s first score; the try was converted by Sam Tatchell.

So the teams were all-square at the break, 7-7, in a really absorbing, exceiting and enjoyable match.

The second half carried on in much the same vein, with both sides trading territory. But Tondu forged another very well constructed attack early in the half; after five minutes and some phase play, Tondu moved the ball along the backs to create space for winger Iestyn Stacey to crash into the corner for a well-deserved, unconverted try.

The next 15 minutes saw both sides throw everything at each other to create a decisive score, but both defences successfully worked overtime to keep their opponents at bay.

With only a few minutes to go, Pembroke mounted a concerted effort to get a vital score; from their own half, the home backs kicked deep into the visitors 22, they retained possession at the breakdown, moved the ball left along the backs, again retained possession in the loose play, which allowed Evan Sheldon to pick up and drive through a packed defence to crash in for a well-earned try to bring the score level. Under huge pressure, up stepped the Pembroke centre, who then dramatically won the game for the home side by stroking the ball through the posts, to leave the score at 14-12, to rapturous applause from the home crowd.

The players on both sides were cheered and applauded from the pitch by a very appreciative crowd, who had witnessed a marvellously entertaining and exciting display from some very accomplished young players, who had given their all in a hotly contested game.

The referee from Narberth also paid tribute after the game, to two sides who had played the match in great spirit.

The Tondu squad and supporters were then given a warm welcome and great hospitality in the clubhouse, after which Tondu chair, Dave Clarke, thanked the Pembroke officials and the two young captains made short speeches and exchanged club memorabilia.

JUNIOR SECTION

A number of teams have been competing in the annual Cup competitions.

The Under 14s won away in Cardigan and will represent the club at the forthcoming County Junior Finals Day, taking place at Haverfordwest RFC on Sunday May 6, starting at 11 am.

Unfortunately, all other age groups participating lost to their opponents.

The minis were playing in Narberth and Milford last weekend and had mixed fortunes. The club, however, is very grateful for the continued commitment of all of our coaches to ensure that young players of all ages get the opportunity to play throughout the long season.

CLUB ANNUAL DINNER

The club’s annual dinner will take place at Carew Aerodrome pavilion on Friday, June 1. Tickets will be £25 and these are available from Jayne and Emma at the club on a first come, first served basis, to all club members. The price includes transport home from the event only from the pavilion to Pembroke.