Pembroke 24 Deri 7

A terrific all round team display by the entire Pembroke squad saw them move just one match away from the Bowl Final at the Principality Stadium by beating a very strong Deri team, from near Caerphilly, which sits atop Division Three (East) B with only one defeat in 12 starts, writes Bill Carne.

They arrived at Crickmarren with a huge support from vociferous fans who were cheering the opening try of the match when good work by outside half Aaron Hughes and winger Julian Poole allowed centre Thomas Edwards to find the perfect angle and stretch for the line near the posts so that No 10 Hughes could add the extra points.

It certainly showed evidence of Deri’s attacking qualities and they also showed determination in defence as the home side had the better of the territorial advantage but were unable to turn pressure into points in the opening quarter.

Deri countered neatly before left winger Rhys Edwards’ clever kick and chase was halted by Luke Hartland’s sound defence – but Pembroke had strength up front from Johnnie Palmer, Seamus ‘Moose’ Wiseman and Lloyd Davies which allowed Will Edwards and skipper Scott Powell to feature in attack alongside the outstanding Billy Wood, Dom Colman and Sam Smith to exert more and more of an influence.

Smith served notice of intent with a typically bulldozing run down the middle and with six minutes left of the period the Scarlets grabbed a deserved unconverted try from a lining drive out which allowed Colman to plough over the line.

It was a key moment because in the second half Pembroke got on top as half backs Tom Lewis and Toby Smith called the shots and coach Geraint James judicially used his strong ‘bench’ to keep the pressure firmly applied, despite the efforts of Deri skipper Martyn Morgan to revive his flagging to troops.

Pembroke took the lead for the first time when Sam Smith burst through after Deri had been set back on their heels in a series of well-organised phases - and centre Shaun Dalling added the simple conversion.

The Scarlets’ growing forward superiority was further evidenced when a splendid drive from a close-range lineout forced the visitor’s defence to splinter and referee Simon Harries, who had a good game, awarded a penalty try.

And Pembroke finished in style as halves Lewis and Toby Smith spread play wide and a cut-out pass from the latter put full back Hartland over in the corner and ensured they continued their exciting journey before finding out who they will play in the semi-finals at a neutral venue.

*Prior to the match there was a minute’s clapping from players and supporters as a mark of respect for the late Ross Taylor, who did so much good work in coaching the Pembroke Youth team.*

Pembroke: Luke Hartland: Barry Alderman-John (Fraser James); Shaun Dalling; Dan Colley (James Davies); Elliott Evans (Simon Stanford): Toby Smith; Tom Lewis: Lloyd Davies (Jamie Brayford); Seamus Wiseman (Rhys Mainwaring); Johnnie Palmer: Scott Powell (capt); Will Edwards (Cyle Wetherall): Dom Colman (Rhodri Walters); Billy Wood (Alex Thomas); Sam Smith.

Deri: Aaron Jones: Julian Poole; Jacob Rowe; Thomas Richards; Rhys Edwards: Aaron Hughes; Andrew John: Scott Cooper; David Greening; Jordan Goode: David Iles; Scott Kirby: Jonathan Morgan; Martyn Morgan (Capt); Jason James. Replacements: Brendan Richards; Andrew Greening; Hywel James; Jamie Cook; Alex Lees; Geraint James; Matthew Chesty.

Referee: Simon Harries (Port Talbot)

Assistant Referee: Martin Jones (St Clears)