|
Southam RUFC |
 |
||
|
|
|||
|
Match Report |
|
|
Burnell sets up Southam success PETE BURNELL switched to fly-half and provided more options as Southam bounced back to Midlands Five West (South) winning ways in emphatic fashion on Saturday. Upton, who had won the earlier meeting between the two sides, never threatened to complete the double and Southam should really have won by a larger margin. Southam made a creaking start as flanker Jim Frogley caught the kick-off and charged 50 metres before passing to outstanding lock Mark Constable but the chance was lost with the line beckoning. Good work by the forwards then set up Burnell who crashed over wide out to open the scoring but the visitors responded almost immediately and reduced the arrears by slotting over a penalty. The direct running of Southam's forwards posed plenty of problems with a scrum 15 metres out resulting in a tremendous push and a try for No 8 Ed Ellis which was converted by Roger Killick.
Ellis, who is the main lineout jumper then hobbled off but the efforts of Constable and Austin Winfield minimised the loss and Killick landed a penalty to provide a 20-6 half time advantage. Southam had their usual rest period at the start of the second half and Upton's pacy centre caused a few problems. But the lead was increased when Frogley broke to feed Burnell and he created an opening for wing Tim Gray who powerfully beat the defence to score.
Upton hit back with a converted try but it stung Southam back into action
and Burnell punished a defensive mix-up to before completing his hat-trick
after good work by Rob Pelter. Killick converted the final try. Burnell proved the lynchpin for the backs, while Constable and hooker gareth Andrews were superb. Southam, who will be backed by two coach loads of supporters, visit Boston for a fifth round EDF Energy Junior Vase tie on Saturday. • Southam 2nds were beaten 24-14 by Newbold Veterans. Kiwi Eric Leeson scored two tries which were converted by Greg Steele and Jim Cross. Leeson and No 8 Dan Batchelor starred in the forwards and the return of wing Andy King added extra pace to the backs. |
|
There was
another instant reply as Upton kicked a penalty but Southam continued to
press and scrum half Rob Pelter claimed another pushover try.