Romsey Colts tamed by table topping Totts.

With a fresh breeze blowing at Water Lane, Romsey’s Colts trotted out to face their unbeaten opponents, aware that this was going to be a major test.

Straight from kick off, there was pressure from the home team, but Romsey’s tackling was resolute. After ten minutes, Romsey managed to exert some pressure of their own and scrum half Ben Rawdon- Smith scrambled over under the post for the game’s opening score.

Five minutes later the home side broke to the right and Romsey’s thin defence was breeched to make the score 5-7.

Relentless Tottonians pressure in the closing seconds of the first half resulted in a try out wide. After a full blooded first half the scoreboard stood at 10-7.

The second half started badly for Romsey as Tottonians’ left winger flew clear of the defence to score in the opening few minutes. The home side then went through the gears to show why they are leading the league and scored two further tries.

At 31-7 Romsey could have been forgiven for giving up, but they continued to put in big tackles and got the best of the scrummaging contest. As such, the two Tottonian tries in the closing minutes pushed the score to 41-7, which would perhaps would give a false perspective on what was in fact a very competitive encounter.

Tottonians deserve great credit for the way in which they attacked with ball in hand. For coach Oli Coburn and his team there were plenty of positives – particularly in that feisty first half performance – but more to do on their attacking and defensive shapes.

Report by Peter Jones