PEMBROKE RFC welcomed a resurgent St Davids to Crickmarren last Saturday, in leg one for the Willington Slate trophy, played for in memory of the two family fishermen, who tragically lost their lives around the islands just off St Davids in April 2016.

A large crowd were treated to an exciting and entertaining match, with both teams trading possession and territory throughout the 80 minutes of flowing rugby.

Pembroke scored first after six minutes of pressure, but then slack defence minutes later saw the visitors strike back, with two very well taken tries.

The next 15minutes was a stalemate, until the home side mounted a period of concerted pressure that saw them score two excellent tries that involved forwards and backs combining really well and a brilliant piece of individual brilliance from Lewys Gibby, which left the home side 21-12 up at the break.

The tempo of the second half was as high as the first. Pembroke built pressure from the kick off and centre Darling finished off some excellent work from his forwards to claim a brace of tries in the third quarter to give his side a big lead.

St Davids however, came back strongly and scored a late try from a penalty close to the home line, after some excellent approach work involving forwards and backs.

However, St Davids failed to narrow the gap any more leaving Pembroke worthy winners by 35-19.

A raffle was held at this match, with the £720 proceeds being split between the local RNLI and The Fishermen’s Mission.

The Willington family would like to sincerely thank all of the following, who donated prizes for this: Woodenbale, Jolly Sailor, Dial Inn, Cross Saws Inn, Hibernia Inn, Old Kings Arms Hotel, Scarlets Rugby, Newport and South Pembs Golf Clubs, Ledwood, Gerald Brace Therapy, Voyages of Discovery (St Davids), Tenby Harbwr Brewery, Pembroke Cider Co, Mr John Davies, Friends of Spike & Daniel, Heatherton, Wavecrest Café, Lloyd & Jayne Norris.

Upcoming fixtures include; the U17s play Tenby away Wednesday, 19 November, 7pm, First XV Friday, 28 November home to Whitland in the Pembs KO Plate, 7pm and on same night the Youth play Narberth at home AT 7pm, Panthers, 29 November away to Newcastle Emlyn. All junior age groups will be in action on Sundays. The Youth travel to Porth Harlequins in the WRU National Shield on 6 December, 2.30pm, whilst the Panthers travel to Blackwood on 7 December in the WQRU National Bowl KO, 2.30pm.

Social events include, the very popular weekly Thursday coffee morning, a Panthers Quiz and Karaoke on Friday, 21 November, 7pm, and ladies committee high tea on Sunday. 23 November. Advance notice of two club quizzes planned for 23 January and 13 February. Annual Exiles match will take place on Boxing Day.