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Mariners sink Portsmouth US 21:8

Mariners sink Portsmouth US 21:8

Ross McCracken16 Nov 2015 - 18:17
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Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more ...

Lymington Mariners took on Portsmouth United Services Saturday, facing up to a well organised opposition, driving rain and blustery winds that played havoc with the line out. The home side scored first with a penalty and it became clear that the key to the game was adapting to the weather. Mariners immediately deployed their forward pods, battering the home-side right up the centre of the pitch, led from the front by prop Stuart Harvey.

Martialled by Danny Hodnett at number 9, Mariners kept a minimum of four in the ruck and a solid defensive line, giving plenty of possession and providing the confidence to play the ball from any area of the park. This pressure paid off with a forwards try under the posts scored by Ben Kirby, who Lymington coach Chris Rodway later described as the most tactically aware player on the pitch. Hodnett took the extras.

Both teams returned to the muddy attritional play, for a second half that remained in the balance, but Mariners kept the advantage playing the ball short and tight, while dominating the scrum. When the ball did come out, Lymington’s back line either made ground or stopped the opposition abruptly on the gain line and their moment soon came. With the pack forcing their way up the field again, outside centre Tom Crisell took advantage of the territory won and a quick penalty to crash over the line. Hodnett made sure of the additional 2 points.

Mariners continued to keep the play tight and close, setting up a platform for the backs to let loose. A long pass was flicked out to inside centre Freddie Lauder, who beat his man and slid over the try line. Hodnett made it three from three, an impressive record in such poor conditions. Portsmouth US never gave up the ghost, and rallied to take a final unconverted try, leaving the game 21:8 to the Mariners. Hodnett was awarded Rivazz Man of the Match.

Lymington second row Matt Toms later said it was the best Mariner team performance he had ever been part of and that he loves everyone. Everyone.

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