PEMBROKE First XV opened their season at home against Tenby Athletic on a dry, warm sunny afternoon in front of a large, expectant crowd on Saturday, writes Darrell Willington.

The squad did not disappoint their faithful followers, backing up a rare win way in Emlyn the week before with another fine performance.

Tenby’s efforts were not helped, as they received yellow cards in both halves.

The opening salvos from both sides were frenetic. After constant pressure, the home side’s forwards won a lineout near the Tenby line and skipper Davies scored after just five minutes.

No 10 Rossiter kicked a penalty soon after for Tenby. The next 15 minutes saw both sides stress each other’s defence without scoring.

Pembroke’s forwards mounted a concerted attack from the halfway and after multiple phases skipper Davies crashed over for his brace to extend the home lead.

Pembroke then defended resolutely for a long period, repelling persistent attacks, before they built a multi-phase attack from the half way, which was finished off by centre Davies (converted again very ably by Sherratt), who crashed through tackles to give his side a 21-3 lead at the break.

Tenby started the second half in a far more determined manner, only minutes in, their forwards carved an opportunity for Rossiter to crash over for a try he converted.

Soon after Rossiter added a penalty, as the home side’s performance dropped off and they began to concede far too many unnecessary penalties in the third quarter.

However, they regained their composure as their pack dominated at the set piece, before Tenby lost a prop and scrums went uncontested.

Pembroke continued to assert themselves in the final minutes of actual time and after another concerted attack, wing Owens broke free wide right and fed centre Davies who crashed through tacklers to score his second try, converted again by Sherratt.

Then in injury time man of the match Sherratt cemented the home win with a final penalty, after Tenby had received their second yellow card for dissent, leaving the home players, coaches and supporters delighted with a memorable 31-13 victory.

The Panthers hosted West Swansea Hawks last Sunday afternoon, again in dry, overcast, warm conditions.

The strong Hawks squad played exceptionally well asexpected and won this match comfortably.

Panthers knew this would be a very tough challenge, but they consoled themselves with an improved performance in the second half.

The Youth did not have a fixtures and the Junior age groups were pitched against Cardigan, with some notable successes mixed with some losses.

Up-coming fixtures include: First XV home to Crymych Athletic this Saturday KO 2.30pm, October 24 they entertain Narberth Athletic in Rd 2 WRU Div 4 Cup KO 2.30pm; Panthers entertain Old Penarthians on Sunday October 18 KO 2.30pm, the Youth travel to Crymych this Saturday, then entertain Taibach on October 24 in Rd 1 WRU National Shield.

A club raffle raised £650 for Sarcoma UK at the Tenby Athletic match and there will be a curry and quiz night at the club family Halloween quiz and disco on October 30 starting at 6pm.

Congratulations to John Richards on winning the September monthly 150 club draw prize of £500.