Six different players scored tries for Romsey, with Liam O’Neill, Connor Downie, Dylan Argent, Alfie Lawrence, Ricky Drewitt and Ethan Hunt all crossing.

The result provided a welcome reward after three difficult opening fixtures against teams at the top of the table.

Romsey combined attacking ambition, forward power and determined defence, although the hosts ensured they were tested until the final play.

The visitors made an ideal start when debutant O’Neill marked his first appearance for the club with a try after only four minutes.

A five-metre scrum gave Romsey a platform, and a powerful midfield run established a ruck close to the line.

O’Neill then drove through the final defender to complete an impressive finish and give his side an early lead.

Ciaran O’Brien, Alfie Lawrence and Elliott Johnson worked hard in the front row during the opening exchanges.

Captain Harrison Scott and vice-captain Nate Greathead also provided experience and physicality as Romsey looked to control the contest.

Southampton responded with determined defence, but the visitors continued to threaten through a combination of direct running and quick ball movement.

Scrum-half Ioan Elliott linked the hard-working pack with a back line directed by debutant fly-half Tom Stanfield.

Jay Hodges offered a further attacking option out wide as Romsey searched for a second score.

That pressure finally told in the 24th minute when good handling through the backs created space on the outside.

Downie took advantage, crossing for a well-worked team try to extend Romsey’s advantage.

The forwards then took centre stage four minutes later.

From ten metres out, a powerful driving maul advanced towards the line before flanker Argent was driven over.

Stanfield’s side had established a 15-0 lead, but the hosts were not prepared to surrender the contest.

Southampton produced an excellent individual response when their runner broke from more than 30 metres following a scrum.

The try reduced the deficit to ten points and gave the home side fresh encouragement.

Romsey answered almost immediately through the quick thinking of Lawrence.

The hooker took a tap penalty and forced his way over for the fourth try in the 32nd minute.

The score sent the visitors into half-time with a 20-5 advantage.

Southampton showed considerable resilience after the interval, repeatedly keeping Romsey away from their line during a lengthy multiphase attack.

Romsey remained patient and eventually moved the ball back across the field.

Drewitt found space to finish in the corner, increasing the lead to 25-5.

Admire Munenga and Tom Finney contributed strongly in the back row, while full-back Jack Murrant completed the back three alongside O’Neill and Hodges.

Southampton continued to demonstrate pace and attacking threat, and another superb solo breakaway try narrowed the score to 25-12.

The conversion ensured the match remained competitive as Romsey faced increasing pressure.

The visitors responded in the 54th minute with their sixth and final try.

Good hands moved the ball across the line before replacement Hunt burrowed over from close range.

Stanfield added the conversion, recording his first points for the club on his debut and taking Romsey to 32 points.

Jack Light, Ollie Soundy and Hunt brought fresh energy as the contest entered its final stages.

Romsey’s task became more difficult in the 62nd minute when Scott received a yellow card for a high tackle.

Southampton took advantage of the numerical difference and continued to attack with purpose.

Sustained phases drew in the visiting defence before the ball was moved wide for the hosts’ third try.

The score made it 32-19 and ensured Romsey faced a tense finish.

Southampton pushed hard for a fourth try during the closing stages, refusing to accept defeat.

On the final play, they came close to scoring again, but Romsey produced an excellent defensive stand on their own goal line.

That resistance preserved the final score and secured a first victory of the campaign.

The result was particularly significant after Romsey’s demanding start against three sides competing near the top of the table.

Their six different try scorers underlined the contribution made across an 18-man squad.

O’Neill and Stanfield also enjoyed notable debuts, with the former scoring inside four minutes and the latter converting the final try.

Southampton’s commitment to attacking until the final whistle made the match an entertaining one and ensured the visitors had to earn their points.

Romsey will hope the performance provides confidence and momentum for the fixtures ahead.