Pembrokeshire Knockout Cup – Plate Competition:

 

 

Pembroke 39 - Whitland 19

 

Pembroke moved into the semi-final of the KO Cup Plate competition as they ran in seven tries against Whitland in this Friday-night floodlit fixture at Crickmarren - but The Borderers deserved credit for their considerable contribution to an entertaining match as they also ran in three quality tries.
 
The Scarlets led 24-7 at the interval and were good value for victory as outstanding No 8 Dai Rogers claimed a try in each half on what was clearly an evening of mixed emotions for him since a minute’s silence was held in memory of his late father Richard, who was a regular supporter at home and away games.
 
They also had good performances by half backs Josh Greenwood and James Allen as they utilised good ball in terms of bringing their backs into action or kicking for position, with flankers Rhodri Walters and Rhydian Eynon catching the eye alongside Rogers.
 
Zac Shaw normally occupies a back row spot but the youngster showed his versatile by fitting in at centre and featuring in attack and defence, as did another ex-youth player in hooker Dan Davies for his line-out work and ball carrying, plus Theo Davies when he replaced veteran Johnny Palmer at prop.
 
For Whitland, Chiron Evans certainly led by example with his defensive work and ball carrying alongside Matt Driver, Trystan Bowen and Gavin Smith, with scrum half Rhys Nicholas always a threat with his sniping runs and No 10 Gareth Davies kicking well with a range  of variations - and with pace aplenty out wide from Tom Day and Gethin Scourfield after quick hands by Thomas Iraia and Lucas Dance.
 

Scarlets start well with three tries

 
Pembroke made a very good start as Lloyd Davies’ pack secured quality possession and from a close-range line-out Palmer took a clean take by William Edwards and with Jon Wood also involved the prop ploughed his way over for a try.
 
No 8 Rogers set up the second home score with a strong burst and when he was held up five metres short held the ball up for Rhodri Walters to dive over - and the ubiquitous Rogers added the third to go with a conversion by full back Rhys Johns.
 
It says much for The Borderers’ resolve that they fought back with a quality try when they had been reduced to 14 men as their pack secured good possession and No 10 Gareth Davies released winger Tom Day, who broke down the flank and his neat chip ahead was pouched by Gethin Scourfield, who raced over the line for Jamie Thomas to add the extra points.
 
But Pembroke had the final word of the half as Rogers again established the platform from a powerful surge and when he was hauled down short, he found centre Shaun Dalling ready to take the pop-up and score at the posts for Rhys Johns to add the extras.
 

Second half full of action

 
The second half was no less challenging for both.teams in terms of weather conditions but Pembroke increased their lead when their backs ran the ball at pace and No 15 Johns fed winger Tobi Pratt on a good run to the corner.
 
Later in the half Pembroke added two more tries, one converted by Johns; the first from a scrum 10 metres out when Rogers dummied a pass to Shaw but then crashed over himself - and from a ruck 15 metres out talented young scrum half Josh Greenwood sniped away down the blind-side before combining with Dalling and Walters and replacement Charlie Shiels took the final pass and dived over to closed the home account.
 
Small wonder that home team manager Simon Edwards, a multi-times former Scarlets’ captain, told PembrokeshireSport.co.uk that it was the best the club has played all season
 
But Whitland had already added two more quality tries, one goaled by Jamie Thomas, by that time as Ceiron Evans charged over after a strong run by Matt Driver - and a great break by Jack Jenkins, which was followed by some other drives before Gareth Davies threw out a long pass and Tom Day was able to score a deserved try.
 
So, it is The Scarlets who will take on Neyland in the semi-final on the 10th April, with Milford Haven and Crymych battling it out in the other semi-final.
 
The draw in the main Cup competition has also been made and on the 18th April the games are as follows:
Aberaeron v Narberth Athletic
Pembroke Dock Harlequins v Tenby United
 
Pembroke: Rhys Johns: Tobi Pratt; Shaun Dalling;  Zak Shaw; Lukas Kersey: James Allen; Josh Greenwood:  Lloyd Davies; Dan Davies; Johnny Palmer: William Edwards; Jon Wood: Rhodri Walters;  Rhydian Eynon; Dai Rogers. Replacements: Theo Davies; Deryn Williams; George Jones; Andrew Evans; Tony Hounsell; Seamus Wiseman; Scott Powell.
 
Whitland: Jamie Thomas: Gethin Scourfield; Lucas Dance; Thomas Iraia; Tom Day: Gareth Davies; Rhys Nicholas: Shane Clarke; Matt Driver; Ceiron Evans (Capt): Trystan Bowen; Charlie Watson: Josh Clarke; Gavin Smith; Dan Bennett. Replacements: Jonny Phillips; Jack Jenkins; Jack Evams.



 
 
 
 

Youth Rugby:
 

Scarlets Youth gain first win as Daf grabs three tries

 

Pembroke Youth 34 - Narberth Youth 20

 
Pembroke Youth completed a good evening as they entertained their counterparts from Narberth on the seconds’ pitch and gained their first win of the season.

The scorers were as follows:
 
Pembroke Youth:
Tries: Daf Killian (3), Rio Stanford (2), Lewis Morgan
Cons: Dylan Lee (2)
Narberth Youth:
Tries: George Miller, Josh Thomas