After a tough start to the league season, Southampton began their Hawaiian-clad assault on the Junior Vase in style against Division 2 Kingsclere.

Despite the difference in league positions, Kingsclere started strongly and had the visitors under pressure for the first ten minutes. But Mark Waterer opened the scoring when he collected a crossfield kick wide on the left wing and beat the defending full back to run in under the posts. The conversion from Ward added the extras and Southampton began to relax a little.

The second try came shortly after, when fly half Ward attacked the blind side from a quick ruck and put Josh Pitt in on the overlap on the right wing. The conversion from wide on the right was much more difficult than his last attempt, but Ward defied Waterer's predicted "five percent chance of making this one" to find the target.

Saints then continued to apply the pressure, with Aaron Nelson seizing on Kingsclere fumbled to hack the ball forward into space. He gathered the ball and ran in under the posts, leaving Ward an easy two points to take the score to 21-0.

Mark Waterer added his second try of the day when the backs spread the ball wide and put Waterer into a gap in the defence. But the forwards then got into on the act, with prop Marcus Coffin using his strength to force his way over. Not to be outdone, Kev Simmons then popped up on the right to finish off Saints' sixth try.

The backs weren't finished themselves, with Aaron Nelson showing good strength to hold off the defence and run in under the sticks. Julian Robins also capitalised on some missed tackles to break through for Saints' final try of the half. 50-0 at half time.

In the second half Saints could have extended their lead on a number of occasions if some kicks had bounced in their favour, but instead it was Captain Pierre Molyneux who popped up in support and cut a good angle through the defence for the try.

Rob Greenaway got himself on the scoresheet after a typical display of workman-like effort, running in from close range after gathering a loose ball. Aaron Nelson added another to seal his hat-trick, while Doug Barrow earned himself his first try for the 1s.

Kingsclere did have opportunities to score, but spurned their best chance attempting a wildly ambitious backhanded flick with the overlap opportunity begging. But despite chances for the home side, the game finished 76-0 with Ward bagging six conversions and Nelson and Molyneux adding one each.

But credit should go to Kingsclere, who started strongly and never let their heads drop, despite the scoreline. And by getting Pierre out of a very big hole and kindly loaning us their kit, they gave everybody the chance to see Bean dressed like The Only Gay In The Village....

Southampton Rugby Club

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