Pembroke RFC’s First XV were away in Cardigan on Saturday, and with the hosts in the top four the visitors knew they would be in for a tough challenge, especially with a few late withdrawals.

However, Pembroke put in a spirited, determined and competitive first half against a strong wind, which saw Cardigan take an early lead after serious pressure.

The Pembroke pack worked hard around the fringes and kept the home side under some periods of sustained pressure, without capitalising on their opportunities.

The home side scored two well worked tries and lost their No 8 to a yellow card, but deserved a lead by 13-5 at the break.

In the second half, the home side scored very early on to extend their lead, before losing two more players to yellow cards.

The visitors took advantage of this and pressed hard on the home line on numerous occasions, but failed to pierce an obdurate defence.

Pembroke Panthers
The Panthers squad have been training hard for weeks. (Pic supplied)

Cardigan made changes and this had an immediate impact, with their sub scoring a superb solo try from 35m.

Pembroke then lost scrum half Sherratt to a yellow card, but the home side had done enough to secure a deserved victory by 25-5, in what had been an entertaining game on a heavy pitch.

A very disappointed Panthers squad, having not played for some time and after some really intense training sessions, had their match at home to Porthcawl cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch.

Some of the Junior age groups played on Sunday last, with the Under 9s, U13s, U12s doing very well, the U15s winning against Cardigan for the very first time and the U16s narrowly losing against Pontyberem.

Meanwhile, the U10/11s squad had a combined, intensive coaching session.

Fixtures for this weekend include - the First XV away at Haverfordwest, The Panthers next scheduled game is home to Morriston on Sunday March 17 in the WRU National Bowl KO 2.30 pm.

The Youth are due to travel to Aberystwyth on March 16. The U14s are in the semi-final of their Plate competition on Sunday morning away in Tenby.

The First XV have to reorganise their Pembs KO Cup semi-final fixture against Aberearon, as this was cancelled due to a waterlogged pitch last Wednesday evening.

Last Friday, ex-players Kyle Davies and Alex Wilkes (who will be running in this year’s London Marathon for Tenovus) held a very well attended and successful Race Night at the Club, raising over £2k for their nominated Charity.

Congratulations to the winners of the 150+ draw for February: £100 - J. Cripps, £75 - Y. Shaw, and £50 - Jon Davies and Leanne Panton.

Members, guests and visitors wanting to watch the final weekends of this year’s exciting Six Nations tournament are very welcome to come along to the Club to enjoy the usual atmosphere and excellent hospitality.