Milford Haven 41
Hendy 11

Milford Haven scored six tries against visiting Hendy, three of them from full back Ian Rusinek, who has that gift of being in the right place at the right time.

Rusinek might have caught the eye with his try-scoring exploits but it was an excellent all-round team display by the home side as they were ready to run the ball from deep positions and had sealed victory by half-time. They led 29-6 and already had a bonus point in the bag.

The Mariners started well as Dean Matthews ploughed over for the opening score, converted by Jim Farr, before Hendy responded with a Rhydian Morris penalty.

James Passmore claimed the second Milford try as reward for great support and hard work in the front row, following a good run up the right by winger Craig Thomas.

Farr again added the extra points and kicked a penalty before a typical chip and chase by Rusinek saw him easily win the race for an unconverted try near the posts.

Hendy responded when Rhydian Morris slotted another penalty before Rusinek sliced through for another try, converted by Farr.

Sustained pressure in the second period saw the Mariners add a fifth try, the third for Rusinek. Later, a quickly-taken penalty by skipper Paul Evans allowed him to cross at the posts, with Farr again adding the extras.

Hendy’s willingness to spread play wide was rewarded when flanker Paul Wassell scored an unconverted try but by then it mattered little since the Mariners were home and dry with a deserved victory and five precious points.

Milford Haven: Ian Rusinek; Craig Thomas (Ioan Dolling); Dean Matthews; Rhys Holmes; Tom Bullivant; Jim Farr; Paul Evans (Capt) (Tom Arnold); Mike Cockburn; Chris Spillane; James Passmore (Mark Russell); Aiden Laxton; Gareth Fawcett; Anthony Picton; Ben Johnson (Scott Walters); Mark Wonnacott.