With both teams short of numbers, Southampton and Alton second teams played a game of 10 a side with Alton coming away 51 - 29 victors.

Alton opened the scoring after moving the ball out wide on the right and rounding the defence and then added a second shortly after through the forwards.

But Saints hit back when a quick tap penalty found Ian Budd, who drew in the defence before putting Dave Ward in for the first try. Buddy then grabbed a try of his own, purposefully touching the ball down amid Alton's futile cries of 'Hold him up!'

Ward took advantage of the sloping pitch to earn his side a 50-22 line out, but they were unable to convert the opportunity into points.

With only ten players, there were plenty of gaps available and any missed tackle could prove costly. Alton made the most of this and added two further tries giving them a 26 - 12 lead at half time.

The second half saw Saints putting together more structured play, with the forwards working their way into Alton territory. Mark Mauger gathered the ball on the 22m line and powered his way towards the line, but was stopped a metre short. Nick Cazeaux then picked up and dived over for the try.

As the scoreline narrowed, Saints felt they had a chance to get back into the game, but Alton had other ideas. A kick over the top into acres of space was gathered by the chasing Alton player, and a break down the right wing brought another try to quash any thoughts of a Saints comeback.

Rob Gitau had a busy afternoon on both wings and he used his pace well to grab two tries of his own. Returning Old Boy Harry Allen looked at home as he made a number of big runs, before an ankle injury brought about a slightly early end to the game with Alton running out 51 - 29 winners.

Southampton host Christchurch 2s next weekend at Test Park.

Southampton Rugby Club

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