Swanage & Wareham III 14 - 54 Southampton

With Trojans pulling out of the scheduled league fixture, Southampton jumped on board the Funbus and headed to Swanage and Wareham in search of a final game before Christmas.

Saints started strongly, with the forwards immediately putting the Swans' scrum under pressure. The first try soon followed as Josh Fearon forced his way over, with Steve Hodds converting. A second try looked likely soon after when Swans were penalised on the 5m line for straying offside. Saints opted for the scrum, but Swans' defence held firm as the Saints' front row was forced up and penalised.

More points soon followed with a penalty from Hodds before Swanage and Wareham got off the mark themselves with a try under the posts, taking the score to 7-10.

But any thoughts of a Swans comeback were short-lived as Saints extended their lead through an Alec Gray try. Hodds then made it a debut start to remember as he ran in two tries from long range, showing great pace to beat the defence on the outside. Saints led 7-25 at half time.

Swanage and Wareham had a mix of old heads and young talent and it was one of their youngsters who caught a ball which had missed touch, left the Saints tacklers standing with a ridiculous sidestep and ran in for their second try. The conversion made it 14-25.

Some local players from another club had turned up in search of a game with Swanage, but actually found themselves pulling on the red and white of Southampton. Outside centre Antonio grabbed a try before flanker Jacob bagged himself a pair. Along with prop Ollie, the three guests had great games and were a welcome addition to the Saints line up.

Into the final ten minutes and Saints kept the pressure on, with Aaron grabbing himself a try. With Swans tiring, a long kick over the top found a big gap. The chase by Antonio and Rico put the last man under huge pressure and he panicked as he collected the ball and threw it directly into touch. The penalty was tapped quickly from close range and Riccardo forced his way over.

The game finished 14-54 as Saints end the year in style.

Man of the Match went to Hodds who grabbed 15 points on his first start for Saints. Dick of the Day went to Bean, who forgot his trousers.