Southampton 22 - 60 Andover

Southampton's return to Hampshire One brought Andover to Test Park- who had themselves just come down from London 3.

But Southampton weren't intimidated and started the stronger of the sides. Harry King earned them an early penalty chance when he forced the tackled player to cling onto the ball, but Ryan Keary's effort drifted just wide.

It didn't take long for the first score though. Dave Ward jinked through a crowd of players before offloading to Mark Waterer, who went round the final man before running in for the try. Keary converted.

Foxy's side kept the pressure on and were soon rewarded with a second try. Some neat passing moved the ball across the pitch, with Pete Fox popping up as an extra centre. He showed quick hands for a big man and flicked the ball on to Julian Robins, who needed to be strong to force his way over.

But Andover were dangerous whenever they got the ball and Southampton turned over too much possession. With a dangerous wing and a big centre, the visitors clawed their way back into the game before pulling ahead.

The score at half time was 12-29 and Southampton came out fighting in the second half knowing they were still only 2 tries and a penalty adrift. Keary took three points after Andover were caught offside, but when Andover scored another couple Southampton knew it would take tries to win.

They created a few chances, with Julian Robins being denied on the right wing. But the final Southampton try came from James Dodds, who finished off an excellent move that saw Saints switch play between forwards and backs and move the ball wide quickly.

Andover's superior fitness also proved decisive as they ran in a number of tries in the final quarter to leave the final score 22-60.

Something of a rude awakening for Southampton, but plenty of reasons to be confident for the new season. Andover have a very strong side and are sure to be somewhere near the top of the table at the end of the season. But for much of the game Southampton outplayed them and showed they have the finishing power needed to compete in Hampshire One.

It's another tough fixture next week as Southampton face Fordingbridge - another side who were playing London rugby last season.