Mariners gain derby bonus point victory (From Western Telegraph)

Mariners gain derby bonus point victory

9:50am Thursday 19th November 2009

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Pembroke 8
Milford Haven 32

Milford Haven gained a deserved local derby win at Pembroke, with a vital bonus point as their reward for scoring four tries and 29 unanswered points in the second half.

The Crickmarren pitch was in superb condition despite the awful weather, but the home side wasn’t able to utilise the elements to claim enough first half points, as the Mariners soaked up early pressure and actually finished the half the stronger. Milford used the elements far better in the second period as they eventually took control.

Phil Williams missed an early penalty for Pembroke but he made amends when he kicked a three-pointer.

Good work involving Richard Morris, Richard Mason, Mark Boswell and Rob Weston saw flanker Luke Hansford driven over for an unconverted try.

The Scarlets had other chances but on the right wing, Jonathan Whitticombe covered the bottom corner for the Mariners and their pack played strongly as a unit.

The Mariners ignored two penalty chances in front of the posts but then Broome landed a more difficult penalty from the last kick of the half to open their account.

Broome opened the second period with another penalty and the Mariners had half backs Tom Arnold and skipper Paul Evans calling their backs into play at every opportunity.

Good handling from Jim Farr and Ian Rusinek set up two good tries for effervescent winger Craig Thomas and lock Gareth Fawcett from an interception, two converted by Broome as Milford built up a comfortable lead.

They grabbed the bonus point for scoring four tries when hooker Craig Smith ploughed through.

Broome’s conversion rounded off the scoring in a good local derby where Pembroke played their part but couldn’t hold the Mariners in that decisive second period.

Pembroke: Scott Bowen, Matthew Lewis, Mark Williams, Rhys Marchant, Mark Roach, Phil Williams, Ryan Hayward, Richard Morris, Tom Jones, Richard Mason, Mark Boswell,Tom Surtees, Steve Dyde (Capt), Luke Hansford, Rob Weston. Replacements: Chris Phillips, Nicky James, Ross McNally, Josh Taylor.

Milford Haven: Leigh Broome, Jonathan Whitticombe, Jim Farr, Ian Rusinek, Craig Thomas, Paul Evans (Capt), Tom Arnold, Mike Cockburn, Craig Smith, James Passmore, Gareth Fawcett, Aidan Laxton, Ben Johnson, Mike Ryder, Mark Wonnacott. Replacements: Scott Walters, Joe Bradford, Tom Bullivant, Darren Potter.

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