The funbus took the 2s to Andover and despite the long drive they started well, with “Epic” Johnson using his considerable power to score inside five minutes. Unusually, the conversion was charged down, which was to prove crucial later on.

Andover hit back with a try of their own, before Epic scored again following a strong rolling maul from Southampton. The conversion took the score to 5-12.

It was end to end stuff, and Andover got the next 2 scores after some missed tackles and poor decision making from Southampton. No luck with either conversion though, leaving the score close at 15-12 at half time.

After the break the game became a tighter affair, with Southampton closing the gaps in defence but unable to cross the line. The score stayed at 15-12 until the final quarter, when Andover did manage to run in two tries to take a 27-12 lead.

As the game entered the final ten minutes Southampton hit some form, with the ball passing through most sets of hands before finding its was to Dave Ingram who finished the move off. The conversion took the score to 27-19 and promised a tense final few minutes.

With their heads up, Southampton hit back straight from the kick off with Warren Corbett touching down for the score. He also converted his try, taking the score to 27-26 and leaving Andover shellshocked.

Southampton could have stolen the game right at the end as a try scoring opportunity was pulled back for a forward pass, and with it went their chances of the win. An excellent effort from everyone involved for Southampton, who refused to let their heads drop and came within a point of a good Andover side.

If only that conversion hadn’t been charged down…………!