Southampton Spitfires latest Masters signings joined forces with London Skolars Masters to form 'SkolFires' and take on a strong and well organised Sussex Merlins side. The Merlins were today's hostS, the game being played at The Waterhall ground.

The home team took the lead with an early try after the visitors knocked on inside their own 20. From the restart the Merlins had possession again and instantly went back on the attack. It took great work from prop Adie Smith to make the tackle against another white shorted player, rolling his opposite number over right on the line to prevent the Merlins from taking a two try lead on the 6th tackle.

After the hand over the forwards worked well, taking drives and getting the ball inside their opponents 20, before spreading the ball out wide and letting the fast running SkolFires winger in for the equaliser.

After that it was all SkolFires with tries from Pascal Garrard, Adie Smith and a superb try from debutant Pete Watson after Adie ran a dummy line to create the gap for Pete, taking the score to 2 tries to 5 at the break.

During the second half a heavy tackle saw Rob Phillips go down with a shoulder injury and leave the field. While he was off receiving treatment Garrard was given a lovely ball from his inside centre and was found room to burst through like a gazelle, blasting 60 meters down the wing for a superb score.

Once Rob came back on it was his turn to make his debut known to all. With a strong run he rode a tackle and crashed through the Merlins defensive line to take the glory and touch down for his first try for the club.

With another try from Pascal and two more from Pete all four Southampton players were on the score sheet in an 11 tries to 3 'victory' but in true masters tradition the result was declared a closly fought nil nil draw.

FOR PHOTOS FROM THE GAME SEE BELOW