After Isle of Wight 2s pulled out, a fixture was hastily arranged against Havant 4s and the visitors showed their class coming away 7 - 73 winners.

It was a tough day at the office for Southampton 2s, as they faced a team of quality vets and up-and-coming youngsters from Havant. The visitors wasted no time getting on the scoreboard, and continued in much the same fashion throughout the game!

Without a regular hooker, prop Bean bravely donned the number 2 jersey, showing the team spirit that sits at the heart of the new second team. But against a well drilled and experienced pack, the Southampton scrum struggled making it difficult for Saints to build much of an attacking platform. Southampton had moments of quality though and showed what they are capable of with ball in hand. Debutant Lachlan Fasher impressed going forward, the return of Steve Judd brought an injection of aggression and borderline high tackles and Luke Still joined the team for his first game, playing wildly out of position on the wing.

Southampton's try came through another debutant Fijian Q, who took a quick tap penalty after a series of crashes from the Saints forwards took them to within five metres. The conversion was added by Rico Scala.

Though the result was not really in doubt after about twenty minutes, Saints showed great determination and fought hard throughout the game. This was demonstrated perfectly right at the end when Havant had a penalty inside the Saints' 22. The powerful forwards attacked again and again, but resolute defending on the line kept them out.

The scoreline may look disappointing but it's important to remember the context of this result. Havant turned up with a team of former and future first team players, who would have competed against Saints' first team, while Southampton are very much building their Second team this season. A number of debutants joined Saints' ranks again this week, proving the team is moving in the right direction.

Ian Mwau earned back to back Man of the Match awards this week, while an honourable mention went to Lachlan Fasher. Both lads also impressed with the pints and walked away with dry heads, which is more than can be said of the First team representatives.

Southampton Rugby Club

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