Lymington v Farnborough II – Match Report

Mariners fight back not enough for victory

Lymington Mariners 20, Farnborough 2s 22

On a day when the conditions were perfect Mariners took to the field intent on getting back to winning ways and reversing their recent run of losses. The first half saw the Lymington forwards quickly stamp their authority on the opposition in the scrum and line out as well as making good territorial gains by their ability to recycle the ball through a number of phases. This is testimony to a pack that has remained relatively consistent for the last few matches and is beginning to form the backbone of the Mariners’ squad. However, it was a different story in the backs where the Mariners once again fielded a back line combination that hasn’t looked even remotely familiar from one match to the next all season.

Despite the forwards’ hard work Farnborough took advantage of the Mariners’ back line’s lack of organisation, finding the overlap and running in two tries, one converted, to take an early 12 point lead. Mariners rallied and after a series of scrums and blind side forays by the back row, Mike Jenner the right winger scrambled over the line with a low darting run to take the score to 5-12. Just as it seemed the Mariner’s ship had steadied and with seconds to go until the half time whistle the Farnborough backs again found the extra man to score a converted try and go in to the break 5 – 19 up.

The tide turned in the second half as the Mariners dropped anchor in Farnborough’s side of the field. Ten minutes in and after a number of penetrating rucks the Lymington forwards found themselves within a few metres of the try line the. The ball was spun wide to hooker Owen Cavell, who was unstoppable from 5 yards out as he barrelled over the line like a bullet train. 8 minutes later, still camped deep in Farnborough territory, Lymington’s inside centre Jamie Bolwell received the ball on the 22 yard line with only the try line in mind. Refusing to be denied his score Jamie charged across the line with three defenders fruitlessly clinging to him. The wind was now definitely in the Mariners’ sails as their pack continued to dominate, stealing both scrum and line-out ball from the opposition. Twice Lymington’s open side flanker John West was powered over the line through some superb mauling only to be unable to find turf through the desperate Farnborough bodies beneath him. On the second of these occasions though, fly half Joe Rodway got the ball from the resulting 5 metre scrum and cut a dashing diagonal line to find the whitewash in the corner. This gave Lymington the lead for the first time in the match, but their continued failure to kick their conversions meant it was by only a single point with the score at 20 – 19.

With less than 5 minutes left and the momentum fully theirs the Lymington players continued to push, possibly too hard, for more points. Unfortunately a number of mistakes borne from hungry over-enthusiasm, including Jamie Bolwell’s own impression of the Chopper Harris sliding tackle found Farnborough in Mariners’ territory for the first time in the half. With a disheartening inevitability to proceedings Farnborough got the chance they were hoping for. They were awarded a penalty which they converted to reclaim the lead taking the score to 20-22.

Out of time Lymington couldn’t get enough possession or territory to find the opportunity their epic performance so richly deserved and the game ended in another disappointing loss. My man of the match was Dom Ellis, the ever-present titan at second row who was at the heart of everything and who once again owned the line-out.

This was a thrilling game, played in the right spirit against an opposition that will be welcome back.

Next Saturday, Lymington Mariners welcome Bournemouth to Woodside Park. Due to the international fixtures this match may be an early kick off (1.30pm) so if you want to come down and support check the website for details www.lymingtonmarinersrfc.wordpress.com

Any players out there who would like to join the club, young or old, experienced or otherwise, are very welcome. Please contact Lee Thomas on 07917556863.