Southampton fielded a Second team for the first time in a number of years with a trip to Fawley.

Despite being slightly short on numbers, Fawley kindly loaned some players to ensure both teams could get a game. And the on-loan players proved worth their weight in gold, with an interception leading to Saints' first try after five minutes.

Debutant Terry Puna forced his way over for Saints' second try, before the ball was moved wide quickly for a third try inside the first twenty minutes.

Winger Robbie Gitau made a break down the left wing and after beating all the defenders, he suddenly stopped running to check if he had gone into touch (he hadn't) allowing Fawley to scramble back and bundle him into touch. Whilst he didn't get a try, it did earn him dodgy pint as Dick of the Day.

When Saints' borrowed hooker Fraser went off injured, Ben Vine gamely stepped up and volunteered to step in, with prop Bean nailing the line out throws. Viner's willingness to step out of his comfort zone to ensure both sides could keep playing epitomised the spirit of the day and earned him a Man of the Match pint after the game.

Fawley grabbed a try of their own, rather unsportingly using the pace of their young lads to ship the ball wide and go round the Saints' defence, but Saints kept the pressure on and added a further three tries, giving them a 5 - 30 victory.

With the First Team now only able to take 18 players, a Second Team is now crucial for the club to keep players active and involved and this was a great start. Rob Greenaway made a return to action in the second row, Jim Pye put in a great shift on the flank and stole Fawley's ball on a number of occasions, whilst fly-half Rico caused some chuckles by asking skipper Dave Ward where he wanted the line out following a penalty before hitting touch nowhere near the Fawley line. Ian Budd kept his flappy hands to himself and failed to extend his yellow card streak while Tiko bravely lasted a full game despite being absolutely hanging.

Huge thanks go to Fawley for helping us out with players and for a game that was played in exactly the right spirit. Having twenty four players available for their Second Team is frankly a ridiculous position to be in and will surely stand them in great stead this season. We wish them all the best for the season.

Southampton Rugby Club

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