SOUTHAMPTON bounced back to London Division 4 at the first time of asking after defeating KCS Old Boys 27-18 in an enthralling, if scrappy play-off game at Test Park.
The Surrey side came out with guns blazing, taking a ten-point lead after just nine minutes, winger Fraser Holder and skipper Darran Browne scoring tries.
The early shock seemed to awaken Southampton who then fought back, rallied on by a sizeable crowd.
Centre Alan Butler drove over under the posts for the first of his hat-trick of tries after 21 minutes which was converted by Dave Griffiths. It was Butler again who gave the home side the lead some ten minutes later when, after some excellent forward play, he broke out from the scrummage to score in the corner.
A penalty just before the break gave KCS a narrow lead at half-time.
With the wind at their backs after the break, Southampton pushed forward resulting in some scrappy play with both sides stealing and losing possession in quick succession.
And it was the visitors who increased their lead ten minutes into the half with a well-worked try - again Browne was first to a loose ball to touch down.
Southampton, though, with the help of the wind and torrential showers, drove forward with attack following attack. Fly-half Griffiths brought the score to within three points with a well-taken penalty from the touchline.
And a vital move from the scrummage, with some flowing passing, allowed winger Alex Scott in to dive over the top, to the delight of the supporters.
Into injury time, Alan Butler sealed promotion when he barged his way through the KCS defence to score under the posts and earn himself his hat-trick.
It was fitting that veteran Griffiths should have the final say with the conversion.
Captain Tony Cador was delighted with his team's performance.
He said: "The boys were really up for this. We were so disappointed at dropping back into the Hampshire League last season so we were determined to earn promotion at the first attempt.
"I cannot mention everyone who contributed to this match, they all fought like tigers out there."
As for next season, Cador was optimistic. He added: "We will obviously be looking to strengthen in some departments, but we have some super young lads breaking through, and I feel we may compete."
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