After a couple of weeks of low numbers, the Second Team was bolstered by a raft of new players who helped them romp to a comfortable win over Christchurch 2s.

Cam Coffin, playing only his second game for the club, grabbed the first try after barreling his way over the line from close range after a quick tap penalty, with multiple defenders unable to stop him. It was reminiscent of his father Marcus, who has done same to countless opponents over many years on the same pitch.

A further connection to Southampton teams of yesteryear was provided by debutant Luke Inder, nephew of former Second Captain Matt and grandson of former First Team Coach Mark. Luke packed down in second row and got stuck straight in, making good ground with the ball and putting in some good hits. He was joined at second row in the second half by Stuart Rose, a returning former player and son of Doug, ex-first team captain.

Saints second try came through Tommy Ashby after the ball was moved wide quickly, Ashby showing great pace to avoid the defenders. But while Ashby went round the defence, his partner at centre Tom Humphrey went through them. Having gone close to scoring early on in the game, Tom made it across the line at the next attempt - with numerous Christchurch players hanging on but unable to stop him.

Some quick thinking brought about Saints' next try. After a Christchurch attack was held up over the line, Riccardo Scala spotted the opposition had failed to cover the width of the pitch for the goal line drop out. A quick change of angle and a short kick to the Saints' right caught Christchurch off guard and another debutant Tui gathered the ball to run in from 80 metres. He grabbed a second try shortly after, again using his formidable pace to outstrip the defence.

Christchurch came back stronger in the second half and grabbed two tries through their big number 92, helped somewhat by Bean's yellow card after straying offside and slapping the ball from the scrum half. Southampton were in danger of losing the ref after a series of infringements for offside. But calm was restored and they took a step back and defended the breakdowns, rather than playing on the edge and risking misjudgements. As a result they kept Christchurch out for the rest of the game and then hit back with a further two tries. Robbie Gitau grabbed one down the left wing, before Tom Humphrey powered his way through the tired defence for his second try.

It was a hard fought game which saw some big hits and a few injuries on both sides. Rob Greenaway went down like he'd broken a leg, only to happily run touch moments later. (No Bean, that does not beat your yellow card to the Dick of the Day award I'm afraid). There were some nastier looking injuries on the Christchurch side, so we wish everyone well for their recoveries.

It was a great win, but the biggest bonus was the players that achieved it. Ian Mwau came on at number eight and proved to be a powerful ball carrier and a big hitter and he came away with the Man of the Match award on his debut. Nick Barnard and Hernan Del Pozo pulled on the red and white for the first time and slotted in nicely in the backs, while prop Luke Booth was a keen runner, fierce tackler and - rather surprisingly - occasional goal kicker. To put together such an accomplished team performance with seven players making debuts is a great achievement and bodes well for the future of the Second team and the club as a whole. As a Christchurch player said at the end - "If that's your Seconds, I'd hate to see your Firsts!"

Dick of the Day for Christchurch probably should go to whoever left all their playing shirts in our changing rooms.

Southampton Rugby Club

Match details

Match date

Kickoff

Location

Team Sponsors

Login