Congratulations go to Ieuan Matthews, Pembroke RFC’s assistant secretary, who was recently awarded Volunteer of the Year by PAVS Pembrokeshire for his sterling work at Sandy Bears Bereavement Charity.

The First XV welcomed St Davids to Crickmarren last Saturday in atrocious weather, which had made the pitch very heavy going in front of a very large crowd.

Both teams put on a superbly exciting, entertaining and competitive game, which saw the visitors take the lead early and maintain pressure on Pembroke for most of the first half.

However, the home side rallied and scored to take the lead 7-5, only to concede late to leave score line at 7-10 at the break.

The game see sawed throughout the second, then the home side broke the stalemate to make it 12-10.

Despite some excellent defence the visitors persevered. Pembroke seemed to be in control and on their way to a win, when a lapse in decision making in defence in the dying seconds allowed the Saints to move the ball wide and score the decisive try to win 12-17 to the delight of their players, coaching group and supporters; their first win at Crickmarren for thirty plus years.

The donations collected for the Fisherman's Mission and RNLI on the day by the Willington family in memory of their kin amounted to £670; a huge thank you to all for this generosity.

The First XV have been drawn against Abercrave away in the next round of the WRU National Division 3 Cup, with the match to be played on December 2; they have also been drawn at home against Aberaeron in the Pembs KO Cup semi-final, for which a date has to be agreed and played by March.

The Youth and Panthers did not have any games at the weekend. However, the Youth have been drawn away to Merthyr in the last sixteen of the next round of the WRU National Youth Cup competition, with the game to be played on December 2; they are also scheduled to play Tenby away on December 9. Meanwhile, the Panthers next League match is against Newcastle Emlyn away on November 26.

The U15s played Crymych at home on Sunday morning in their age group Cup match, but lost after a very tough match. The U13s and 14s won their matches.

The annual Xmas Fayre took place at the club last Sunday and proved to be yet another resoundingly popular and resounding success. An adults Xmas party is planned for Dec 1st, tickets are available from Denzil.

The first Winter Quiz will be on December 8 starting at 7.15 pm for teams of 4-6.

The funeral service for club legend Eifion Powell will take place at Bethany at 11.45 am on Saturday, followed by a private interment at St Michaels and a wake at the rugby club.

The Club also received the very sad news that Eifion’s great friend, ‘JR’ Johnny Jones, another stalwart of both rugby and cricket clubs over many decades passed away suddenly, after prolonged illness, early on Saturday morning; the thoughts of everyone associated with the club are with his family and close friends.