Romsey journeyed to league leaders Fawley after a couple of weeks lay over with a mixture of intrepidation and optimism.

With a revised coaching team and enthusiastic attendance at training, the team, under captain Rob Hart, was keen to start the new year with a positive display.

In the first fifteen minutes they played the runaway leaders off the park - putting many of the moves practised and refined in training – to good use as they spread the Fawley defence across the pitch. However on regular occasions, infringements led to loss of field position and Fawley began to take control of the ball and hence the scoring.

With backs Dan Penn-Newman and Eli Pitt to the fore, when Romsey secured the ball. Great strides were made and indeed a mazy run by Penn-Newman to close the first half was applauded by players and spectators alike, leading to a converted try.

In the second half Fawley contend to find weaknesses in the Romsey defence despite the better efforts of Harrison, and points were scored almost at will. Some pride was restored by Romsey with a penalty try again orchestrated by Penn-Newman.

Although the spirit across the club is still high, key games continue to be lost due to high penalty count and the inability to consolidate on field position, and the coaching team and the senior players are working hard to address this.

On a high note, it is worth mentioning the excellent winning performances of the Under 13s and under 14s respectively against strong opposition. The club also sends its best wishes for a speedy recovery to “player of the match “ Bradley in the Under 14s. Friends of the club are invited to attend the under 15s crunch game with Petersfield on Sunday at 11am at the sports centre.