Pembrokeshire KO Cup Round 1: Pembroke 68-3 St Davids

The Pembrokeshire KO Cup kicked off at Crickmarren last night and as expected, it was Division One West side Pembroke who progressed at the expense of St Davids.

It proved a worthwhile run out for both sides mind, with The Scarlets opting to field some of their younger players while The Saints battled manfully for the 80 minutes, finishing the game with just 14 men due to injuries.

The night started with a minute’s silence for local cricket umpire John Williams, who had ties with Pembroke RFC, and former St Davids player Callum Richards, both of whom died this past week in tragic circumstances.

The away side had flanker Carl Evans carried off early on but defended doggedly before home winger Simon Stanford broke the deadlock, finishing well in the corner after a break by full back Luke Hartland.

Toby Smith hit the post with the conversion – which was to prove his only failure of the night from the tee.

Stanford added a second try soon after but with forwards Rhys Price and Tommy Reynolds both impressing with ball in hand, the Saints fashioned a penalty chance that No 10 Matty Mcleod landed from 22 metres out.

Pembroke second row Will Edwards got the third try with a strong burst from close range after centre Fraser James had gone close - but it was James himself who then rounded off a 60 metre counter attack to make it 26-3 at half time.

The same player then grabbed a hat trick with two tries early in the second half as the hosts started to fashion overlaps against a tiring defence, and then it was Hartland who jinked through in midfield and sped 40 metres to the posts.

Then it was last season’s youth team hooker, Shane Gwyther, who marked his debut by twice forcing his way over and in the dying seconds, it was Smith who rounded things off with a neat break and try, from which he added his ninth conversion.

The first round continues today in another Division One v Three clash, as Crymych host Haverfordwest.

Referee: Jason Ludgate.