After the hottest summer on record in UK and the unprecedented dry spell, the start to this season was delayed as pitches were declared too hard and dangerous; the WRU sent out a missive allowing clubs to cancel games on these grounds. Consequently, the start of this season was delayed on grounds of safety and player welfare.

The club has invested heavily in pitch renovations again during the closed season and we hope this will as always provide first class surfaces for all sections to enjoy. Meanwhile, thanks to the hard working grant-chasing group, who continue to secure funding that has facilitated more facility developments during the last few months, which will benefit the whole membership, visitors and business clients.

The club is again extremely grateful to WOODENBALE 2000 for their ongoing support as our main sponsor again this season; we are also very grateful to all of those individuals, companies, businesses and members who similarly continue to sponsor our club and help us to maintain our whole estate to a high standard.

Two friendlies for the First XV were cancelled, ie Tonyrefail (A) and Caldicot (H), also the first round match versus the Quins at home on August 22 was frustratingly postponed. Consequently, the First XV played their only warm up against Tenby Athhletic at home on Sept 5, narrowly winning an entertaining match, prior to playing their first League fixture at Bierspool against the Quins on Sept 12.

The Quins league match proved a very disappointing affair for our club. Our squad on the day would have had 13 youngsters (all under 21 yrs of age) that had come through our junior section, including young Bowyn Clark making an appearance after seasons with Carmarthen Quins.. Geraint John (WRU Community Lead) informed the clubs that he would be attending to watch the match and chat to club officials from both clubs. However, prior to the match George Jones (a key player in the pack) was injured in training and a couple of lads were injured in the pre match warm up. The start of the match saw a fracas that led to the referee awarding Pembroke two red cards and the Quins one red, which had a huge impact on our team’s performance in the first half especially, as they adjusted.

The Quins took the advantage handed to them and built a first half lead, scoring some good tries. Pembroke rallied in the second half, scoring well, but eventually the difference in numbers played its part and the Quins finished strongly to claim the win by 37-28.

We are due to play the Quins in League at home on December 19 and in the reorganized Pembs KO Cup Rd 1 match, a date still to be agreed.

The Panthers had their first Championship match away to Ynysybwl on Sept 6 cancelled as they failed to raise a squad, they now play Treorchy away on October 4 in their quest to establish credibility in what will be a tough League, that will see them travelling the length and breadth of South Wales.

The Panthers have been given a super reward for winning their League last season. The WRU have invited the whole squad to attend the initial Women’s World Cup opener between Wales and South Africa at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Friday September 18. The WRU will parade all three Women’s National League winning squads from last season and one member of our squad will be given the accolade of carrying the team’s flag; we all hope they have a great evening and experience, very well deserved.

The squad management groups recently announced that their new home and away kits for the coming season have been very generously sponsored and provided by the New York Welsh group, who have been involved in the past.

The Youth squad has played their opening fixture away at Aberaeron, losing a very tough encounter. The coaching and management group know there’s lots of hard work for our young squad to do if they are to be more competitive this season.

A number of the junior age groups have begun fixtures. However, as is happening nationally, there are worryingly fewer opposition teams for many age groups across our District.

The EVENTS COMMITTEE continues to excel, with a hugely well attended and very successful WESTERN EVENING earlier this month; the reviews from attendees have been glowing. A number of other events are being planned in the months ahead, so please watch out for notices on social media and at the clubhouse.

Everyone wishes First XV skipper Lloyd Davies and his future wife Nirvana a happy life together, as they will be having their wedding in the months ahead. A break in fixtures sees Lloyd and friends going on the Stag Weekend in mid -September….have a great time all.