Special charity match:
Pembrokeshire County 36 - Valero 15
It proved a unique occasion at Pembroke RFC on Saturday as a huge crowd watched the reformed county team overcome a Valero XV, writes Fraser Watson.
Leading 19-10 at half time, Pembrokeshire eventually prevailed 36-15 having outscored their opponents by six tries to three, retaining the trophy they won in the first annual game between the two sides in 2020.
But of more importance was a big turn-out and interest in the occasion, which helped to raise a huge amount of money towards Valero's Charity of the Year, the Pembrokeshire Cancer Support Group.
Picture perfect at Pembroke
After a fortnight of adverse weather, organisers couldn't have picked a better day to attract supporters, with sunny conditions meaning many onlookers were happy to use the outside marquee erected by the officials at Crickmarren.
And prior to kick-off, Daryl Willington, Chairman of the host club, said: "It's great to see the county back.
"We're very grateful to Valero for bringing the game here and we know they want to move it around the county on an annual basis. We've been very, very lucky with the weather and the underlying aim is to make money for the Pembrokeshire Cancer Support Group in Pembroke Dock.
"Club members and Valero volunteers have been fantastic in putting infrastructure in place to make sure everybody watching the game today can also enjoyWales v England afterwards."
Shirt presentations were made before kick-off and Pure West Radio were on hand to add some pre-match entertainment via music, before referee Chris Oliver got things underway.
County team cut up Valero early on
The inaugural game two years ago had ended with just seven points in it, but the conditions this time around seemed to suit Pembrokeshire early on as no 10 Nico Setaro again looked to run the ball from everywhere.
And sure, enough, they led within two minutes as Setaro received good lineout ball and slipped a pass to flanker and skipper Chris Shousha, and it was his midfield burst which set up a spell of pressure that culminated in prop Lloyd Davies forcing his way over from close range.
Setaro added the extras, and soon after it was 12-0 when a Valero attack broke down and scrum half Lewys Gibby pounced from inside his own half, rounding Simon Stanford and diving over in the corner.
Refinery team responds as contest tightens up
Any prospect of a mismatch was soon dismissed though as Valero sought to tighten up the contest, and they duly hit back when centre Lewis Davies went over from close range.
A series of pick and go's then culminated in winger Jordan Asparassa touching down and although outside half Lloyd Thomas couldn't convert either corner try, suddenly we had a close contest again.
But before the break Pembrokeshire added another seven-pointer, with second row Scott Powell initially going close before Setaro's clever chip was gathered by Jack Broadhurst, and his clever flick inside to player-coach Steve Martin sent the full-back under the posts. Setaro converted for a 19-10 half time lead.
Pembrokeshire's second-half push settles matters
County coaches Gareth Bennett, Jonathan Evans and John Davies had utilised the rolling subs format during the first half and did so again at half time, and their squad soon put things to bed after the break via two tries from winger Dan Jenkins.
The Milford man returned to the field after a brief rest and duly finished off some great interplay to score out wide - and then repeated the feat moments later after being put over by club teammate Martin.
That made it 29-10 but again Valero responded when a series of forward carries ended with Pembroke RFC’s veteran forward Mark Boswell forcing his way over for another five-pointer.
But Pembrokeshire continued to play open rugby and it was Powell who entertained the crowd with a couple of neat flicks and tricks - while Setaro looked to run things from deep.
And sure enough, it was the outside half who had the final say when he dummied and darted over from 20 metres out, before adding the drop-kick conversion.
Organiser Scourfield says thankyou
It was winning captain Chris Shousha who was adjudged man of the match and afterwards main organiser Gareth Scourfield, who had helped run the Valero team alongside Nathan Williams, Chris James, and Lee Scourfield, expressed gratitude to everyone involved.
"What a fantastic day," he told Pembrokeshire Sport.
"Everyone really seemed to enjoy it and special mention to Richard Jelley, Rob John, Hywel Gibbs and Ben Diment for their help. It was about everyone who contributed.
"It was great to see so many clubs involved."
More than £1000 was taken on the gate, and a prize raffle would have boosted that total significantly with the final sum raised in region of £4,000.
The county are now due to return to action and continue their resurrection on April 9th, again at Pembroke RFC, when they play the host club as part of their 125th anniversary celebrations.
