Division Three West A:

Milford Haven 38-22 Pembroke Dock Harlequins

There was running rugby galore at The Observatory before Milford Haven ran out winners against a Pembroke Dock Harlequins who contributed a great deal to the game and were rewarded with a bonus point for their hard work.

The win sends Alan McClelland joint top of the table with Pembroke, and continues their unbeaten league start.

Leading the way for The Mariners was industrious second row Ben Groves, whose support play and ability to shake out of a tackle earned him a hat-trick of tries.

But it was Groves’ second row partner Chris Hall who opened Milford’s account with a rare early try which scrum half Dan McClelland converted - before the Quins fought back quickly with an opportunist unconverted try from outside half Jake Griffiths.

Groves then dummied his way across the line for McClelland to add the extra points but again The Quins made a speedy response with a try from full back Liam Hargreaves-Gibson as play sped from end to end.

Good work by Mark Wonnacott, Mike Cockburn, Craig Smith and skipper Adam Rees helped set up Groves for his second try, again converted by McClelland and although Rhys Bradney grabbed the visitors’ third try as he latched on to a clever kick ahead from Aaron Cookson - it was the ubiquitous Groves who crossed the whitewash for his third try to earn The Mariners a 26-15 interval advantage.

Milford also made a good start to the second period with a try by winger Craig ‘Yoda’ Thomas but The Quins replied with a bonus-point try from bustling back-rower Hywel Baker which Griffiths converted.

The Mariners had the final say, however, when McClelland, who played at scrum half with a maturity beyond his years, sliced over for a try which he also converted to round off the scoring in a match where the home side took the plaudits but The Quins are clearly on the up under the guidance of coach Ossie Boswell.