Southampton kept in the hunt for promotion with a well-earned and hard-fought 39-20 Hampshire 2 victory at Alresford.

Quick-thinking from Sam Montague restored Saints’ lead in the first half after an early Alresford try but the home side held the upper hand at the break.

Saints produced their best play on the restart with a try that began in their own 22 – just about every player was involved in several phases which ended with Gasper van Hollebeke touching down in the corner.

A further two tries from Montague and one from captain Kevin Simmons and successful kicks from Montague and Arron Enock put the game out of reach of their persistent opponents.

Southampton’s Kevin Bouault said: “The 39-20 scoreline did not really reflect the close nature of the game and Alresford had a great deal to be proud of in their performance, showing the progress they have made over the past couple of years.”

Dave Ward made a return to Southampton after a year out and Maika Burenivalu stood out for the side at full back.