The First XV played two matches last week, firstly Neyland at home on Wednesday in the Pembs KO Plate semi-final and then Llanybydder home in the League on Saturday, both in dry, breezy, cold weather on a very good surface that had dried out over the week. Div 3 Neyland came with an inconsistent League record, much akin to Pembroke’s. However, they were confident they could claim the win going into the match that was played in front of a very big partisan crowd.

Neyland scored first after seven minutes after good work from forwards and backs. Pembroke settled into the contest and claimed their first try after fifteen minutes, after which the game seesawed with both sides scoring very well constructed tries. Some defensive lapses by the home side allowed Neyland to take their chances and establish a lead before the break.

Schoolboy lapses in defense at the start of the second half provided the visitors with opportunities to score three early tries to build a big lead. But the home side dug in and worked hard in the last quarter to repel further incursions, eventually scoring a well taken try of their own late in the half. But Neyland defended well and eventually ran out worthy winners of the KO Carpets Cup and they will now play Milford in the Final.

On Saturday Pembroke entertained a weakened bottom of the table Llanybydder in front of another good crowd. The home side dominated much of thew territory and possession in both halves, but Llan made a few incursions thanks to their hard-working forwards and talented midfield. Pembroke’s backs profited from the constant flow of quick possession from both the set piece and loose play to score ten tries in all; four to centre Silcox, three to scrum half Watkins, two to winger Pratt and one to full back Evans to rack up an emphatic 60-7 points win in their last home match of the season. Llan’s reply was to open the scoring with one well deserved, converted try right at the start of the second half, which was just reward for their endeavour throughout a match, which saw them on the back foot most of the time.

Yet again this season the Panthers were let down by Morriston, who failed to travel to Crickmarren for their League fixture; which has added to the squad’s frustration in this season’s stuttering League and Bowl programme.

The Youth are hoping to return to action this week, after an enforced break. The Junior age groups were in action with many age groups performing really well and claiming wins.

Upcoming fixtures include, First Xv  this Saturday at Pontyberem and away to N.Emlyn the following Saturday to complete their season, the Panthers are due to play Tumble at home this coming Sunday KO 2.30pm, the U17s play Tenby away tonight KO 7pm, the Youth play Narberth at home Friday April 10 KOP 7pm.

Congratulations to the fundraisers raising funds for SARCOMA UK, they amassed around £2k in recent weeks and to Margaret Davies who recently received the £500 cheque as winner of the 150 Club monthly draw.

April 11 sees the return of the very popular and successful Women’s Bottomless Brunch at the clubhouse and the club will be hosting the annual District Junior Finals Day on May Day weekend Sunday.