PEMBROKE RFC first XV welcomed Tenby Athletic to Crickmarren last Saturday, writes Darrell Willington.

After days of rain the weather had abated, so the game took place in dry, cloudy, very breezy conditions on a good surface, in front of a large crowd, who were treated to a real humdinger of a match.

The game was a genuine contest of two totally different halves.

Tenby dominated in the first half, scoring six tries (four converted) to Pembroke’s three (only one converted), with play see sawing throughout the whole time. Pembroke’s fragile defensive work in the ten minutes prior to the break cost them dearly, whilst it was the assured handling and excellent support work between forwards and backs that gave the visitors a deserved big lead of 17-38 at the break.

A stern talking to by their coaches during the break seemed to galvanise the home squad, who turned the tables in the second half.

Pembroke had the visitors penned into their twenty two for the vast majority of the half and continually pressurised their line, scoring four excellent tries, mainly through their dominant pack.

But they failed to kick their conversions and this eventually proved a key factor in this enthralling match.

However, Tenby did manage only one visit to the home half and were awarded a penalty that was duly converted.

Pembroke were held up over the Tenby line three times in the last quarter and eventually scored their final try with minutes to go, but ran out of time to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat and were left to reflect on the one that got away.

The Panthers travelled to Blackwood again on Sunday (after the match had been cancelled last weekend) in the WRU National Bowl, where in heavy conditions their depleted squad secured a marvellous win; they now await the draw for the next round.

The Youth also travelled to Tonyrefail to take on Porth Harlequins in a rearranged WRU National Shield match. The squad performed well, but they lost 36-24 to a very capable squad.

The junior age groups were out across the district for their final matches until the new year, with most of them winning some very exciting and tight matches.

Up coming fixture include, First XV at Quins this Saturday in the much anticipated return local derby, with Pembroke hoping to perform well and secure a double over their old rivals.

The Boxing Day Exiles match, sponsored by the Gibby Family in memory of Jenny, will also go ahead, weather permitting, KO 2pm. The January 3 match against St Davids has been moved into March.

The directors and management committee would like to wish their staff, all members, supporters, sponsors, parents/carers, many willing volunteers and all other groups who come to the club during each week a very Merry Christmas and Happy New year and thank them all for their ongoing support, which helps to sustain the thriving club.

Club opening times and events over the festive period will be posted outside the clubhouse and they look forward to hosting everyone.