Milford Haven 28.

Cefn Coed 12.

Milford Haven defied the strong winds and rain blowing up the estuary at the Observatory Field to beat a physically strong Cefn Coed side that is near the foot of division four (south-east) but still playing a section higher than the Mariners.

Coach Alan McClelland was pleased with his young charges’ performance, especially after he changed the formation around to give players a chance to show what they have to offer.

He also included veteran number eight Scott Walters and gave a run-out to Ian Proctor, Dai Sweeney and Paul Evans, who all showed what they can contribute to the Mariners’ cause.

Ian Rusinek opened Milford’s account when he finished a move initiated near their own 22 after scrum half Aaron Sprowell did well to pop up the final pass when he was tackled.

Alan Scoulton levelled matters for Cefn Coed with a well-worked try, but a Leigh Broome penalty nudged Milford into an 8-5 interval lead.

Playing with the wind at their backs, Milford gradually took control through quality possession won by Gareth Fawcett, Jamie Parr, Craig Smith and Darrell Jones, with Parr driven over from close range. Broome was able to add the difficult conversion and soon added two further successful penalties, plus the conversion of a push-over try claimed by Walters.

With a 28-5 lead perhaps the Mariners took their foot off the gas a little and they paid the price when Cefn Cod grabbed a try by Owen Adams which Alan Harries goaled.

But it was too little, too late to affect the final result and Milford Haven were worthy of a place in round three.

Milford Haven: Leigh Broome, Dan Morgan, Ian Rusinek, Dean Matthews, Rhys Holmes, Paul Evans, Aaron Sprowell, Jamie Parr, Craig Smith, Darrell Jones, Ian Proctor, Gareth Fawcett, Dean Aldred, Dai Sweeney, Scott Walters. Replacements: Mark Wonnacott, Mike Cockburn, Ben Johnson, Adam Reynolds, Roy Hadley, Wayne Sprowell.