Mariners take bragging rights in local derby against New Milton III

Hampshire Division Three: New Milton III 10-22 Lymington Mariners

A LOCAL derby between the Lymington Mariners and New Milton III saw former workmates, teammates and current coaches lining up against each other.

The game started with a flurry of Mariners penalties, but they were unable to convert this pressure into points. A good kick from the New Milton 10 planted the hosts in the Mariners’ 22 and after a few attacks they were soon over the Mariners’ try line without a conversion.

The game swung back and forth until Alex Clegg spotted a gap between two props and sprinted to the line, converting his try to give his side a narrow first-half lead.

Matt Toms, Mariners co-captain, put the visitors on the front foot as they looked to extend their advantage. Camped inside the New Milton 22, Jamie Fenton was given the ball and made no mistake by driving himself over for a converted try.

Shortly after, New Milton exploited the lack of Mariners backs and created an overlap to score five points. The Mariners’ set piece was working well, with Chris Baker and Sam Wilcox supplied brilliant ball from Lance Bartlett from the lineout.

The Mariners again took advantage of New Milton ill-discipline and this time decided to kick the points, with Clegg slotting over a great kick to make it 10-17.

New Milton showed a resilient defence, with John Gunn creating a great turnover at a crucial point.

The Mariners kept New Milton pinned in their half and in the final minute Phil Jenner, who had been a nuisance since coming on, made a great break, was tackled shy of the line and managed to reach to get the try, sealing a 22-10 Mariners victory.