PEMBROKE First XV welcomed high flying Pontyberem to Crickmarren last Saturday in round one of the WRU National Division 4 Cup in damp, very windy conditions, writes Darrell Willington.

The visitors, unbeaten to date, this season are mounting a serious campaign to get league promotion and cup success, and they brought their best squad possible. Pembroke meanwhile were missing a few key players and had a reshuffled backline.

Pontyberem dominated the play from early on, playing with the strong wind their strong, mobile pack forged lots of ball for their eager, very capable back line, who constantly stretched the home defence.

Pembroke spent the vast majority of the first half having to defend against constant pressure and persistent errors undermined their progress.

The visitors pressed home the many opportunities they created and ended the half in a completely dominant position 0-39 ahead, having scored some really well crafted tries to the delight of their travelling support.

The second half saw lots of continued pressure on the home line, but this was met with more determined defence, which eventually saw the visitors only cross the home line once during a pulsating second half.

To their credit the home side demonstrated stubborn resilience for long periods, whilst only creating a few scoring opportunities.

Generally home attacks were met with equally resolute defence, but they did manage to pierce their opponent’s line on one occasion for a late consolation try by returning scrum half Josh Greenwood, leaving the visitors worthy winners by 5-44.

The Youth team entertained Birchgrove in round one of the WRU National Youth Shield.

The conditions made things difficult for both sides, but both adapted well.

The visitors proved a very capable outfit, with their forwards and backs combining well to put lots of pressure on the home defence throughout the full match.

Equally Pembroke, after some lack lustre performances, lifted their level of performance and reciprocated throughout what was a fascinating, tough and entertaining encounter, which saw the lead changes hands regularly, in a riveting cup tie.

Eventually the ecstatic home side prevailed to win by the narrowest of margins by 21-20, which will boost morale in the camp.

Upcoming fixtures include; First XV on Saturday have Llanybydder away, the Youth Tenby home Ko 2.30pm, the Panthers have Tycroes home Sunday KO 2.30pm, the Junior age groups will be around the County. The First XV are due to play Whitland at home on Friday Nov 28 in the Pembs KO Plate Ko 7pm. The U17s are due to play Tenby away on Friday Nov 21, KO 7pm.

Social events include, the very popular weekly Thursday coffee morning, a Panthers Quiz and Karaoke on Friday, November 21, and Ladies Committee High Tea on Sunday, November 23.