Despite the early kick off, the sun was alreayd blazing down when Southampton kicked off against Keynsham. The tourists are signalled their intentions early on by throwing the ball around confidently from within their twenty two.

Keynsham are the home side of Dan Keepax, who pulled on the red and white at number eight for Southampton. The sides traded early tries, with Alex Scott gathering a loose ball and darting over for Saints. Keynsham showed some confident running and audacious dummies thoughout, running every penalty regardless of distance.

The teams continued swapping tries throughout the half, with Dave Ward adding Southampton's second. He made an overlap outside new boy Jacko, who drew his man and gave Ward an easy run in. The visitors were kicking themselves soon after, when Dan Keepax cut through the defence to score against his old mates.

But despite their massive hangovers, the visitors stayed in touch and were only narrowly trailing at half time.

The second half continued much as the first, with both sides trading tries in the baking heat. Paul Brant was cut in half by a massive tackle, but the ref judged it to be high- to the surprise of the crowd. James Moore did some excellent work in defence when he kicked the ball dead after Keynsham unexpectedly chipped the ball into the corner.

Southampton added to their scoreline through Dave Ward and Jacko, while Femi Adeniren broke clear from within his twenty two and outpaced the defence to score from long range.

Southampton ran out 52-41 winners in what was a thoroughly entertaining game. Some excellent performances, especially from new boys Mark Brant and Jacko. Cheers Keynsham, hope you had a good weekend!

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