Southampton gave debuts to Solent Uni's Fin Hammett, Will Griffin and Ethan Coetzee Redondo, with Dylan Emerson earning his second cap for Saints. Tyler Ross also returned to action after a long absence with injury, with Stuart Rose joining him at second row.

But the mix and match Southampton side found themselves up against a very well-drilled side in New Milton, who are top of the table and undefeated so far this season. The visitors' quality showed as they ran out convincing winners on what was a difficult afternoon for the Test Park side.

Dylan Emerson intercepted an attempted kick over the top and raced clear for the try. Ethan Coetzee Redondo came close to scoring but was stopped just short of the line, before Finn Hammett picked up from the ruck and dived over the line for the try.

With little decent ball to work with, Southampton found themselves defending for most of the match, with some big tackles coming in from Will Griffin, Ollie Sutton and Tyler Ross, and Ian Mwau judged to be too high on a number of occasions. After a half time team warning for tackle height, Mwau then found himself spending ten minutes on the naughty step after yet another high hit. As he returned to the pitch he guaranteed himself a DOTD pint after immediately seeing a Southampton penalty overturned for backchat.

Southampton had to juggle the side around even further when Griffin and Emerson both had to depart; Dylan will now be following the concussion protocol after a bang to the head. Stuart Rose moved to prop, Chris Magrane bravely stepped up to second row, Charles Wylde had a crack at flanking with Hernan Del Pozo coming onto the wing.

New Milton lent Southampton their captain to make up numbers, but the stand-in's only real contribution of note was throwing an intercepted pass under the Southampton posts right at the death.

A thumping win for New Milton, who were well-organised and exploited every opportunity that came their way. A difficult afternoon for Southampton, but impressive debuts for all the Solent lads and a very welcome return for Tyler Ross whose ferocious tackling earned him the Man of the Match award.