Last Saturday, Super Saturday, was the final weekend of Six Nations matches, which meant no rugby action at the club. However, the First XV hosted Teirw Crymych last Wednesday evening under lights in a re-organised League match, in dry, cool, slightly breezy weather on a heavy pitch. Pembroke due to some injuries and unavailability, fielded a very young squad.
Both teams were in the bottom half of the Div 4(A) West league and so were eager to claim a much needed win. The form book indicated that with home advantage Pembroke were favorites going into this match, but in past seasons especially in midweek encounters, the visitors had always proved tough opponents and this was repeated on the night.
Pembroke stated intent from the kick off, going through multiple phases, covering sixty metres to put centre Brown in the corner for a marvellous, unconverted try. Crymych came straight back, wit their big pack forging territory and their speedy backs finishing well to score two quick converted tries in ten minutes. Pembroke’s pack were up for the challenge and after matching their opponents for a good spell, lock Jones crashed over from short range for a converted try to finish the first quarter.
The second quarter saw both teams trade territory and possession, Pembroke lost lock Cabot to a harsh yellow card; then with both packs and backs combining well, but each meeting with determined defense, there was no further scoring before the break.
The firsdt ten minutes of the second half was alike the second quarter, with both sides stressing each other’s defences. Eventually, Crymych converted a penalty, before Pembroke’s backs moved the ball well to put Brown in for his second try to bring the scores level. Minutes later, Crymych’s pack got their side into the last twenty and their scrum half broke from a ruck, chipped and scored a sharp, opportunist try off his own kick to give his side the lead. Pembroke attacked on numerous occasions in the final quarter, but too many handling errors undid their bid to get that illusive score and so the visitors solid defence allowed them to hang on to their lead and claim the win.
On Friday evening the Pembs EPP U16 girls squad took on a strong Ceredigion squad at our ground, with some of the opposition having had to travel over two and a half hours to play. The game was played at a high tempo, with very little kicking from hand, the players on both sides preferring handling their possession for the vast majority of the game. There were some very talented and committed players, as demonstrated by their heavy tackling, excellent handling skills, athleticism and tactical appreciation. After a really absorbing and competitive three sessions, Pembs girls ran out worthy winners by 39-22.
The victorious Pembs EPP U16s squad after beating Ceredigion at Crickmarren