The First XV had played Aberaeron at home on Wednesday March 20th in the Pembs KO Cup semi-final, hoping to upset the form book. However, the visitors produced another very strong all round performance to win by 5-42 to claim their place and first ever appearance in the Final, where they will play Tenby at a date and venue yet to be confirmed.
Last Saturday the First XV travelled to Laugharne having lost heavily to them at home the week before. The match was almost a repeat performance, with the home side asserting themselves after a slow start, but the visitors put up some resistance and scored some good tries of their own. However, the home side proved too strong, running in multiple tries in the second half and ran out worthy winners by 77-15 to lift them into the top four in the League.
The Panthers travelled to take on top of the League Tumble, who has built a strong squad this season. The game was a tense, hard fought battle with the score changing hands on many occasions during the match. Pembroke’s pack worked tirelessly to forge good positions and they and their backs capitalised on territorial advantage, scoring some very good tries. Both teams produced some really effective phases of play throughout the game, but eventually the combined work of the visitors paid off and they claimed a notable win by 20-24 to lift themselves in to fourth place in the League table. The women now wait for the draw for the semi-finals of the WRU National Bowl, which sees Old Penarthians, Tumble and CRC Caerdydd also awaiting their fate; the matches are due to be played on April 7th.
The Youth comfortably beat a below strength Fishguard team at home last Saturday to claim an unbeaten league season and the Pembs County Youth League title, amid ecstatic scenes at Crickmarren. The lads played some really expansive rugby running in multiple tries without reply from The Seagulls youngsters, in front of a large very appreciative crowd. Afterwards, the cup was presented to the squad by new non-Executive WRU Board member Jennifer Mathias; whilst representatives from the squad’s sponsors Cresselly Arms, MM Electronics, Guy Thomas Estate Agents and Lemondshaw Logisitics were also present to witness the festivities. The Youth have been drawn to play Crymych away in the Pembs Youth Cup on a date/venue to be confirmed, whilst the U17s will play Narberth at home on April 3 in the Mike Fry Cup.
The junior age groups were out in force over the weekend, the U14s travelled to Tycroes where they played well but were beaten by a strong squad, the U15s lost to a strong Lampeter squad, there were wins for the U8, 9, 12 and 16s.
The First XV are home to Cardigan this Saturday KO2.30pm, the other sections are not scheduled to play as it is Easter weekend.
Congratulations to Mary James, Ian Martin and the Panthers women’s squad, all of whom have been notified that they will be receiving community Civic Awards from Pembroke Town Council in the next few months. Mary and Ian between them have given over 80 years dedicated service, whilst the Panthers have opened up a pathway for local girls and women to achieve aspirations that could see them play at international level if they have the talent. Everyone at the club are delighted to see this recognition as it so well deserved.
