Mariners show true Spirit to dispatch Bermuda Select

The Mariners men’s team overcame a Bermuda Select XV 21-7 during the annual Spirit Trophy at Somersfield.

Mariners controlled the first 30 minutes of the game through the type of aggressive, yet controlled and uncomplicated, rugby they became renowned for. 

Following sustained pressure, Mariners captain Steve Husbands found space on the short side and dived over for the first points of the match on the 10-minute mark. 

Under-19 fly-half Kamel Easton missed the sideline conversion, but after 15 minutes, full-back Rory Dublin was on target with a penalty, after Bermuda Select infringed at a ruck close to their own tryline, to make it 8-0 to Mariners.

Easton converted further Mariners pressure into points by adding two more penalties in short succession.

Bermuda Select forced their way back into the match  and off a dominant Bermuda Select scrum in the 38th minute, the ball was shifted wide into the hands of Rich Cumbers who showed great strength to score with two defenders on his back. Cumbers added the conversion himself to bring the score to 14-7 at the break.

Shortly after halftime, Mariners wing Avery Williams capitalized on a poor cross-field kick by Bermuda Select and finished off a dazzling 60-metre footrace under
the posts. Dublin converted to take Mariners to a 21-7 lead.

Despite threatening the Mariners line relentlessly, crucial handling errors and gutsy Mariners defense prevented them from coming away with any points. 

For once, Mariners had the luxury of bringing on some fresh legs in the form of Chris Laplaca and Tony Ward, who helped Mariners close out the game.

The ladies also enjoyed success as they beat the Bermuda Select team 2-1.