A long range penalty from the boot of fullback Jim Lamont after just two minutes settled Romsey nerves. A sizzling break by fly half Jack Murrant then allowed Romsey to enter Southampton territory. When Murrant was eventually tackled his clever offload kept the Blue and Golds moving forward and Oli Coburn plunged over in the left corner to score.
Southampton responded quickly with a strong carry by their No8 and his pass out of the tackle freed the winger to score.
Romsey looked to extend their three point advantage by launching some attacks but they were contained by some effective Southampton defence. Jim Lamont was held up over the try line after a well worked Romsey line out drive. Another attack was penalised as the home team backs struggled to get their wingers free. Southampton continued to frustrate the hosts with some aggressive tackling and counter rucking, but it was clear that the pressure was building.
Just before half time the dam burst as a precise move freed Dylan Scott on the left wing and the next phase of play swung across the pitch to Jay Hodges on the opposite flank. His powerful hand off on the Southampton winger opened his path to the try line. The score at half time was 13-5 to Romsey.
After ten minutes of kick tennis at the start of the second half, a break in midfield resulted in Jack Murrant scooping up a pass and he streaked away to score under the posts. The 20-5 lead should have allowed Romsey some breathing room but
Southampton established some possession close to the Romsey line. Some frenetic defence kept them at bay and a turnover and a strong counterattack pushed the visitors back deep into their own half. Another Jack Murrant break freed centre Ed Davies to score beneath the posts.
At 27-5 the game and the bonus point were seemingly secured. Try scoring hero Davies then turned villain as he was given a yellow card for offside. Southampton sensed an opportunity to score and their hardworking No8 was driven over the Romsey line from close range. Just as the visitors were beginning to think that they could get back into the game a knock on from the restart invited a Romsey attack and flanker Ian Milinak crashed over to score. Three more points courtesy of Jim Lamont kept the scoreboard ticking along at 37-10. The two sides exchanged a try more each before the final whistle, with Romsey’s tireless Alfie Lawrence bursting through the battered remnants of the Southampton defence at the final whistle.
With a final score of 42-15 coach Jason Berry would have been happy with the energy and game management displayed by his team. A good crowd enjoyed Romsey’s six tries but will have to wait till March 28 before the next League fixture at Ganger Farm.