UWTSD 29-31 Pembroke Panthers

The Pembroke women’s squad celebrated a first win since forming after a thrilling finish against the students of UWTSD (Trinity St David University, Carmarthen) on Monday night.

The game was played under lights on the ground of Carmarthen Quins RFC, with the pitch in prime condition.

The Panthers had previously played two fixtures and lost both narrowly, but were excited at the prospect of taking on a young University team under coach Rob Griffiths.

Pembroke had to defend well early on and then went on the attack as No 10 Chloe Jones put penalty kick deep into the 22 and from the ensuing lineout, Isobelle Dufresnoy was put in space near the line and went over for an unconverted try.

Pembroke kept the pressure on with No 8 Pearl Van Ellis putting in some rousing runs, and the visitors were only kept at bay by determined student tackling.

Then in the final ten minutes of the half the students struck back with two unconverted tries and then in injury time Pembroke suffered a real blow when turnover ball on half way gifted the home side a third try, this time converted, for a 17-5 lead.

But Pembroke started the second half in a determined manner and another Chloe Jones penalty set up a lineout chance - from which Van Ellis crashed over by the posts, and Jones converted.

More pressure followed but with 15 minutes left the Panthers fumbled a loose ball and the UWTSD winger took full advantage to pounce on the loose ball and race over, opening up a seemingly comfortable 24-12 lead.

Pembroke hit back straight away though as forwards and backs combined well and after several phases, No 10 Jones charged over.

Jones went close to another try but moments after more excellent team play ended with flanker Naana Geula powering her way through a flat footed defence to score from 25 metres out, and Jones converted to make it 24-24.

In a pulsating match the students went back ahead with 10 minutes to go as a quickly taken tap penalty led to an unconverted try.

But with time running out Pembroke mounted one last attack and good handling play set up Van Ellis to force herself over near the posts. This left Jones with the all important final kick - and she cleanly slotted it between the posts to seal a thrilling 31-29 win before being mobbed by delighted team mates.

Van Ellis was named Player of the Match for the Panthers, whilst there were strong performances from Lucy Johnson and Meg Boorman (making their debuts), Naana Gela, skipper Chloe Jones, winger Carys Slack, Fi Griffiths and Isobelle Dufresnoy, with every member of the squad giving their all to secure the victory.

The squad now play Port Talbot Reds in their first home game this Sunday, kick off 2.30pm.

Pembroke squad: Gail John, Chloe Jones, Chloe Beynon, Fi Griffiths, Lucy Johnson, Carys Slack, Rhiannon Griffiths, Abby Price, Leanne Panton, Isobelle Difresnoy, Jamie Moseley, Meg Boorman, Pearl Van Ellis, Naana Geula, Angharad Scourfield, Kate Thomas, Charlotte Lloyd-Bird, Vicki Weatherall.