With last weekend being an international weekend, there was no designated first team league fixture. However, the Second and Youth teams were on duty, with the Youth having an early kick-off, so that they were able to watch the Wales game.
SECOND XV
On Friday night, the club’s Second XV entertained a strong Crymych outfit under lights in windy conditions. As the final score suggests, Crymych produced some excellent attacking rugby, with an experienced pack feeding an eager and skilful young set of backs, who scored a number of well-worked tries.
Sam Smith and Jared Howells were the pick of the Pembroke players, while there were also a number of very encouraging performances from a number of the younger members of the squad.
Pembroke’s pack worked hard to forge chances for their backs, but they were met by a very determined and well-organised defence, which repelled them on numerous occasions.
Eventually it was Crymych’s pack and especially their young, talented back-line that carried them through to a deserved win by 52-10, in what was a very entertaining encounter.
YOUTH XV
Pembroke Youth travelled to Whitland on Saturday. The game began well for Pembroke and after some sustained pressure the resolute Whitland defence gave away a penalty in front of the posts and young Billy Kinnear kicked the three points to give his side an early advantage.
The first half then continued with both teams showing skilled attacking flair. However, no further score came until the last few minutes of the half when the Pembroke number 10, Tom Harding-Jones, produced a meandering run and after the ball went loose, centre Tom Kinnear collected and crashed over; the conversion from wide out was missed by brother Billy.
The whistle blew for half-time with Pembroke leading eight points to nil.
The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with both teams battling for supremacy. Pembroke then put together a number of phases, with good handling from backs and forwards, which created an overlap for number eight Aran Williams to run in from the 22m line to score close to the corner. The conversion was narrowly missed.
Pembroke then went further ahead after several carries from the forwards resulted in a penalty in a central position, which Billy Kinnear kicked to give teh visitors a 16-point lead.
Whitland did not give up and continued to battle hard, eventually scoring with a long run-in, breaking several Pembroke tacklers; the conversion was missed.
With only a few seconds remaining, Pembroke captain Tom Lewis was delighted to get possession and boot the ball from the field to give his side a well deserved win.
UNDER 16s
A bus full of players, parents, supporters and coaches arrived at the ground in anticipation of a good game of rugby and they were not to be disappointed. Aberaeron’s pitch, overlooking the bay, was in excellent condition and both teams played entertaining rugby at a very high standard.
Despite the long journey, Pembroke U16s started very quickly and were intent on playing positive rugby from the first whistle. The forwards of Rhys Taylor, Shane Gwyther, Liam Brunton, Ryan Gammer, James Jones, Theo Davies and Med Le Britton Booth got stuck in from the start against a huge pack, who kept the ball tight and used their big ball carriers to make the hard yards.
Tackling was fierce from both sides and turnovers hard to come by, but after holding Aberaeron, Pembroke struck with a well-earned try from Harry Turner finishing in the corner at the town end.
Aberaeron replied with a try following a period of sustained pressure from their forwards. However, showing great resilience, Pembroke struck back with two more tries from fullback Harry Turner and a conversion from Leon Stewart.
After the half-time break, the game opened up and as Aberaeron began to tire and Pembroke backs began to assert their influence on the game, Gethin Bradney, James Allen, Curtis Palmer and Mike Doyle attacked and distributed well to get Johnathan Smith, Leon Stewart and Harry Turner into space.
Further tries came from James Allen, Theo Davies, Shane Gwyther, Liam Brunton and Harry Turner, with Gethin Bradney adding one conversion.
Final score 46-12 to Pembroke.
Coaches Richard Allen, Alex Sherratt and Kieran Machin thanked all the players, parents and supporters for making the long journey and Aberaeron for their excellent hospitality for everyone after the game.
NEXT FIRST XV FIXTURE
December 3 at home to St. Clears, the game being sponsored by ‘The Regulars’. Everyone involved with the regulars should contact Eifion Powell in advance to ensure they are included in the usual pre-match buffet and refreshments.
CLUB QUIZ NIGHT
Unfortunately, the Quiz Night planned for this (Friday) evening has had to be cancelled. This will be re-run in the New Year (date to be advertised nearer the time).
ANNUAL BOXING DAY EXILES MATCH
Former players are asked to contact the club or Max Hayward/Nick Shiels (team manager) or on the club’s Facebook page to register their interest in playing in this annual festive fixture. Game is due to kick-off at 2 pm on the Monday, Boxing Day. As always we extend a warm welcome to all players, their families and friends, regular supporters and all friends to come along to the club for what is always a friendly and enjoyable day.