By Tom Murphy
USW 2nds fell to a 41-12 defeat against a dominant Southampton side in the quarter-final of the Men’s Western Conference Trophy match at the Sport Park.
The away side started stronger, but it was USW who capitalised on some sloppy handling errors early on and took the lead in the 17th minute, as Luke Richardson finished off their first attack of the game.
However the lead was short lived, with two tries from flanker Will Ryan and one from centre Rory Trafford building a 17-5 advantage for Southampton at the break .
Pic: Flynn Galliford
USW claimed the first points of the second half with Richardson scoring his second try to reduce the deficit to just five points.
But that was about as good as it got for the hosts.
Southampton hit back and took a grip on the game.
Three tries in eight minutes from substitute Remy Mellett, prop Fi Topin, and the pick of the bunch from Ahmad Elmowag, made certain of the victory.
Pic: Flynn Galliford
Elmowag’s score was a beauty, with the winger picking up the ball just inside his own half before beating two men to cross the line.
Topin added his second touchdown in the 72nd minute to wrap up what turned out to be a comprehensive success for Southampton on an extremely disappointing afternoon for USW.
Southampton will face the Cardiff Met 7ths Tin the semi-finals.