Both sides fielded stronger teams than before, with Kev Simmons, Chris Milne and Steve Dewey returning to the Southampton pack, while Hector Bevitt-Smith and James Filmer made their debuts at scrum half and wing respectively.

It was new boy Hector who got things underway as he opened his Southampton account after only 2 minutes. Quick hands between number 8 Harry King and prop Kev Simmons got the ball out wide to Chris Alston. He challenged his man on the outside and offloaded the ball back inside in the tackle, where Hector picked up and ran in from 40 yards. Rob Gould’s conversion gave Southampton an early 0-7 lead.

They doubled that 5 minutes later when Mark Waterer straightened up in the centre, drawing in two tacklers before offloading to Julian Robins who came charging through from full back. Rob Gould made no mistake with the conversion.

With Southampton seemingly in control of the game, they then gave Lymington territory and possession in a twenty minute spell where they conceded countless penalties for offside and tackler not releasing. A number were kickable, but Mariners opted for the lineout each time forcing Southampton to defend their line. Despite the constant pressure, the defence did its job and Lymington left Southampton’s twenty-two with nothing.

Instead it was Southampton who added 3 points to their total after a high tackle from Mariners, before the home side eventually capitalised from the Southampton penalty count when they finally took a three pointer after another offside. The half time score was 3-17.

The second half saw Southampton stretch their lead as they looked to play exciting running rugby. Chris Alston countered after a kick stayed infield and some quick recycling saw the spun out to the backs. Mark Waterer was stopped on the line, but he popped to Doug Barrow, who showed a textbook bellyflop to get the ball down. The conversion was missed taking the score to 3-22.

With an hour played, replacement James Filmer came on and immediately showed his pace as he attacked up the steep hill. But it was a Lymington mistake that provided him with his debut try as a chip from Hector Bevitt-Smith was collected by the Mariners defender, who sliced his clearance kick which fell straight to Steve Dewey. He moved the ball quickly to the left wing for Filmer to finish well from 25 yards. Again the conversion was missed, but Southampton now led 3-27 with a bonus point in the bag.

Despite outplaying their opposition all over the park, Southampton were still conceding penalties and after a series of infringements in the final 10 metres, the ref decided he’d had enough and awarded Lymington a penalty try which was duly converted.

But Southampton finished the game off in style with an excellent try which started inside their twenty-two. After stealing a line out, the ball went out through the backs to winger James Filmer. He made good ground and found Julian Robins in support inside, who in turn fed Bevitt-Smith. He angled a clever chip crossfield to Mark Waterer, who picked up and ran in for the try of the match, making the final score 10-32.

It seems strange to come away from a bonus point win and feel slightly disappointed, but Southampton conceded so many penalties at the breakdown and it was this that gave Lymington all their possession and points. If they eliminate these, there’s a chance of notching up some big scores in the second half of the season.

Southampton’s next game is 17th December at home to bottom-of-the-table Stoneham. It’s the last game before Christmas, so come along and cheer the lads on and spread some festive cheer!