Both sides played with 12 players apiece and the reduced numbers meant there was plenty of space available. With some players in unfamiliar positons for Southampton, the girls did well to absorb the early pressure. But after ten minutes Basingstoke spread the ball out along the back division and created an overlap for the right winger. She went round the defence and touched down under the posts for the first try, which was converted by the Basongstoke centre.

The second try came five minutes later after prolonged pressure on the right sucked in the Saints defence, before the ball was moved out to find acres of space on the Basingstoke left. They added a third try soon after quick ball put the right winger in for her second.

Despite some valiant tackling from the visitors, Basingstoke continued to apply pressure and added to their total after a break from the Sirens centre. She converted her own try to open up a 24-0 lead.

Despite Basingstoke dominating the scoring, Southampton showed some moments of brilliance themselves, with Dina Kakaras taking on her opposite number on the right wing, before being dumped into touch by an excellent tackle. Holly Ellis also made good ground with ball in hand, while Captain Amanda Gollop led from the front and was a constant prescence at the breakdown.

But the Southampton ladies found it dificult to close down the big spaces and Basingstoke used their experience and pace to exploit the gaps. The half time score was 45-0, with the Basingstoke centre kicking an impressive five from seven convesions.

The second half saw Basingstoke continue to dominate the game, with the centre adding to her tally of tries and returning a faultless second half display with the boot.

Stacey Mackney put in a brave performance in an unfamiliar role at centre, while fly half Helen made some impressive breaks and looked one to watch for the future.

But Basingstoke used their experience and pace to get the ball wide whenever possible and were rewarded with five second half tries to take the final score to 80-0.

A steep learning curve for the girls in their first match of the season, but they should take great confidence from the manner in which they stuck at their task and played with passion and commitment throughout.

The girls' next game is at Test Park on Sunday 8th November against Trojans 2s. Please come down and show your support!