This was the first league game of the season, against Totton who finished 8th in the County last season. They are a strong and awkward to team to beat, they defend ferociously and like to attack around the fringes of the breakdown, wearing teams down. Totton made the better start, nerves and over-enthusiasm from the Saxons meant mistakes which gifted Totton possession, but the Saxons contained them, executed some good exit strategies and were soon able to apply some pressure of their own. The first score came from Jamie Stephensons converted try, soon followed by Rob crashing over and then James Diamond , who has been showing real pace and aggression scored in the corner.
Totton scored and converted just before half time to make it 17-5, which seemed respectable, however it was actually the start of 3 unanswered tries which gave Totton the lead by 10 minutes into the second half. Fortunately as before, the Saxons settled themselves and showed their great team spirit with James Diamond restoring the lead and then the Saxons showed some real class with good possesion worked through phases advancing across the width of the pitch and then seeing the ball down the line for Harry Bricknell to score in the corner.
Totton answered back with a concerted effort, getting to our 5m line, but our strong and concerted defence turned over the ball,two passes later Rory made a break and weaved and burned his way to the line. From the restart, the Saxons counter-attacked and when Ollie Davis was shoulder barged into touch, the Saxons took the penalty kickinging for a line-out on the Tottonian 22. The ball was won, set and then driven up field through the phases to the far side and then, with Totton stretched it was back through the hands to Harry who had one to beat to score in the corner.
This was a tough opening game and a reminder of the level of tackling, rucking and mauling we will have to do to remain competetive in Division One. We lacked communication and urgency in some areas, but really pleasingly stepped up when we had fallen behind and the opposition were fired up and we then played our best high-paced quality rugby. It was a good win by the better team, well done Saxons.