Lymington Mariners braved the elements Saturday to host Portsmouth IIIs in a Solent league test at Woodside Park, their first outing since the New Year. Playing to the conditions – wet, muddy and cold – Mariners largely kept the ball close in hand, taking the lead from their number one ball carrier Captain Matt Toms who delivered time and time again, and then once more.

Phil Jenner found himself in the unlikely position of fly-half (i.e. having to think) and after instructing no-one to kick the ball away in the pre-match talk did precisely that, gaining the home-side ample territory from which to launch their forward offensive, later earning himself Rivaaz man of the match for his efforts.

The Mariners concentrated their attack through the forwards, forcing Portsmouth back into their 22, and a turnover from second row Chris Baker close on the touch line provided the opportunity for Toms to take the first unconverted try. Further tries followed from Phil Jenner, working hard down the blindside, aided by number 9 Lee and the ever late running Nick Bubb. Both conversions were missed as the posts ducked and dived in the still air away from James Bell’s enthusiastic boot.

The home side scrum was immense, acting as a single (semi) sentient organism rather than the 8 oddly shaped individuals that they are, moving like a Challenger tank through Portsmouth's barbed wire and trenches.

The line was also firing on all cylinders; Sambo Rambo and Baker’s elegance in the air putting Rudolf Nureyev to shame. This provided plenty of possession, most of which was taken in by the forwards, although the match was enlivened by an electric break from winger Ross McCracken, who broke two tackles and was streaking towards the posts before losing his footing and issuing a Papal greeting to the turf.

The performance in attack and defence was exemplary, Jack Dovey and Stuart Harvey both punching holes in Portsmouth’s lines, the former scoring a well-earned try in the second half backed by the strength of Toms and the Stalinist resolution of Tim Hinman.

Portsmouth rallied, changed tactics and pinned the Mariners back in their 22, but could never quite break the 15-man defence. Another Toms break took the home side back up field, where, fresh off the bench, the ultimate game finisher James Hickey took the ball over for the Mariners fifth try, this one plumb under the posts for Bell. Final score Mariners 25, Portsmouth 0.