New Milton seconds over the moon with Overton outing

Hampshire Division Two: New Milton II 45-28 Overton II

IT was winger Jareth Stubbington making his debut who caught the eye as Milton IIs made it two victories on the bounce.

The blond-haired brute opened the home side’s account with a try following a magnificent mazy run and a sprint for the line. On the other wing was Kyle Morrell, another speedster who rounded off Milton’s fine display with another great effort.

Overton brought a huge pack to Ashley’s Normans Way ground and scored two early tries utilising their weight. But Milton always felt in control, especially with their backs who looked dangerous all afternoon.

Marc Harburn and Connor Coombs at half-back were superb, directing the play and setting up the danger runners outside them. Both kicked intelligently and showed what talent there is at the club.

In the centres, Josh Lines and Nathan Smith had splendid afternoons, both finding plenty of gaps to exploit and each defending with aggression. Ryan Morrell at full-back scored twice and delivered the pass to his brother for Milton’s final try.

In the pack, Milton performed well with Harry Fitzgerald at flanker having a blinder and scoring one great try, and number eight Dan Mallard blowing big holes in Overton’s defence and bagging a brace. Jack Corbett completed the back-row and enjoyed freedom in the breakaway role.

At lock, the unlucky Bradley Strickland limped off in the first half and was replaced by Dylan Colein-Gill who joined the bruising Jack Butler in the engine room.

Jack Whitely was introduced in the second half to significant effect, and Frankie McCracken also came on and made some huge hits, leaping like a salmon in the line-out.

In the front row, veterans Dale Smith, Ed Baker and Fred Hood relished the challenge. Hood and Baker each spent 10 minutes in the bin, but both were back on when victory was secured.

The seconds travel to Bognor this weekend to try to make it three wins on the bounce.