Vandals Raid and Conquer Lymington

MATCH REPORT:

Lymington Mariners 17 – Old Yardleians Vandals 27

Lymington Mariners’ second season opened with a humbling defeat against a strong visiting team from Solihul, the Old Yardleians Vandals. A large and vocal home crowd watched the early season friendly at Woodside Park which saw eight tries scored in a good spirited game between two teams made up predominantly of veterans .

The game started promisingly as the Mariner scrum half Joe Rodway made a 50 yard break that took him to within a few feet of the try line. Unfortunately the Vandals rallied and their heavy and more experienced pack immediately began to impose itself on proceedings. Crafting their way in to Lymington territory they scored two early tries, the first from their left winger cutting an angled run across the posts bouncing off a number of defenders, and the second coming from their aptly named prop ‘ The Fridge’ who trundled over the line after a penetrating zig-zigging run from their No.8.

The Vandals continued to dominate play in the tight preventing the Lymington pack from recycling possession through sufficient phases of play to release their backs. However the Mariners did start to fight back and towards the end of the first half blind-side flanker Ben Bradley-Watson cut his own diagonal run slicing his way through the opposition defence to score under the posts. Both teams failure to convert left the score 5-10 at half time.

Half time saw Lymington not only change it’s line-up with a number of substitutions but also it’s shirt as the team removed their blue first team shirts and donned their vets/away yellow strip: As the season’s curtain raiser it was important for the team to play all it’s squad of 25 players and give acknowledgement to both it’s shirt sponsors – Indian restaurant Rivaaz and Plumbingtrader.co.uk.  A big thank you to owners, Shahin Malek and James Metcalf respectively.

The second half didn’t start much better than the first as the visiting team carried on controlling play at the breakdown and around the fringes. Comically, despite a squad of 25 Mariners managed to start the second half with only 14 on the pitch as Jamie Bolwell went walkabout thinking he’d been substituted. They quickly extended their lead by 5 points as they scored their third unconverted try of the game. However the introduction of two Lymington debutants Bruno Brods at scrum half and Jamie Banaisk at centre as well as that of power house Gary Brooks at prop began to improve the quality of Mariner’s play. It was Jamie Banaisk who got the home side back in the game with a try after chasing a kick over the Vandal’s defence and beating their full back to touch down.

A number of injuries and further substitutions started to disrupt the Mariners as they had to constantly shuffle their line-up. The Vandals took full advantage and two more tries and a conversion effectively sealed the result for them as they went 10-27 ahead. Before the game finished however another chased kick, collected this time by one of last season’s stars, flanker, Stuart Thomas gave Lymington a consolation try, converted by Joe Rodway to leave the final score at 17-27.

Mariners will have learned a lot from this game that they can make to their advantage as they prepare for their first season in the league, Hampshire’s Merit 2. Never before had their forwards faced such a well drilled and strong opposite eight and although they are unlikely to face a better pack all year they will need to improve their ability to change tactics mid-match. The backs will improve as their line-up finds some consistency in its make-up and with it improved understanding and communication – something the side lacked last year.

There were a number of notable performances, particularly from: Andy O’Callaghan who showed his class around the fringes, stealing opposition ball and turning defence in to attack; Nick Bubb who worked tirelessly to be first at the breakdown; and Jamie Banaisk who’s tackling in midfield broke up the opposition back play.

A mention should also be given to Jack Dovey who not only played his first game for the club but was playing his first game ever. If his first performance was a measure of things to come he will undoubtedly become a force for the club. The fourth debutant of the day for the team was Stanley Wilson, significantly the most senior player to have worn the club shirt who managed a dogged and impressive four minutes before retiring injured.

The team would also like to extend a huge thank you to Sarah Lamb and all the other volunteers who put on the barbeque and refreshments for the supporters and players to ensure a great day was had by all.

Lymington’s next game will be on the 11^th September, opposition and ground to be confirmed, and it’s first league match will be the week after on the 18^th September against Sandown and Shanklin at Woodside Park, kick-off at 3pm. Everyone is warmly welcomed and encouraged to come and cheer the boys on what will be an historic day for the club.

Any players, experienced or new to the game, young and fit or otherwise are all welcome