PEMBROKE First XV welcomed their old rivals Pembroke Dock Harlequins to Crickmarren for the first League match of the season, writes Darrel Willington.

After a very wet morning conditions improved and the whole match was played in dry sunny conditions, on an immaculate pitch, in front of a huge crowd. Quins had beaten Whitland the weekend before and were confident they could win.

The first half was competitive and the home side started very strongly pinning Quins into their twenty-two and scoring the first points, a penalty by Sherratt.

Quins then settled and their forwards forced a turnover deep in home territory, which allowed lock Baker to crash over for an unconverted try.

Sherratt then slotted his second penalty to regain the lead.

Minutes later, Quins No 10 was given possession just inside the home half and after a dummy ran in an excellent individual effort, converted by Hathaway to take the lead.

Pembroke then built a series of phases, which released ball for their backs to exploit space wide right where winger Pratt was put in unopposed; Sherratt slotted a kick from wide to give his side a slim lead at the break.

Pembroke then took charge in the second half with their forwards gaining the upper hand in most phases of the game, allied to some very shrewd kicking, which kept them on the front foot.

Two tries in the space of five minutes at the end of the third quarter took the game away from the visitors; the first involved forwards and backs and a cute slipped pass saw Lewis Davies score wide left (Sherratt converted), then centre Allen intercepted a defensive pass to run in under the posts (again Sherratt converted) to give the home side a big lead.

Pemboke lost lock Edwards to a yellow late in the half, then with only minutes to go Quins centre Price scored a marvellous individual try, which saw him weave through numerous attempted tackles from the half way, the conversion was missed, leaving Pembroke very worthy winners 27-17 in a very entertaining match and their coaches and supporters singing the praises of their very young, inexperienced squad.

The Panthers were very disappointed when Newcastle Emlyn failed to get a side to visit on Sunday.

Equally frustrating was the cancellation of the Youth’s home match with Llangwm, who sadly announced that their Youth side was folding.

The Junior section age groups played around the District at the weekend with mixed success, but all coaches reported that all their players were so keen to get back into action.

Upcoming fixtures include: First XV play Tenby Athletic away this weekend, Panthers do not have a game this weekend, Youth play H’West away.

The very popular weekly Thursday coffee mornings continue between 10am and midday, as does the equally popular Friday evening social rugby sessions. Everyone is welcome to come along to either. All tickets have now been sold for the Octoberfest event on October 18.

Last Monday members and players attended the funeral of Mike Price, who was a valued and respected supporter of the club over many years; everyone at the club send their sincerest condolences to his family and close friends.