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Match Report Saturday March 17th
Success for Southam 1st XV: Southam 24 Rugby St Andrews 18 DESPITE being far from their best Southam came from behind to record a hard fought Midlands Five West (South) victory on Saturday which consolidated second place in the table. Southam, playing into the elements, went ahead after ten minutes when prop Dan Winfield dummied the visiting full back to crash over for a try which full back Roger Killick converted. But they failed to build on the promising start and the spirited visitors took full advantage to level by scoring a converted try from a maul. Southam, missing a couple of regulars from the pack, lacked commitment and could not dominate the Saints eight. The lineout was even with No 8 Ed Ellis in command for Southam and hooker Gareth Andrews his usual industrious self. The visitors took the lead by slotting over a penalty and they added a well worked try just before the interval. Southam upped the tempo in the second half and were soon on the score sheet through lock Austin Winfield who took a pass from Rob Pelter to run 20 metres to .go over in the corner. Saints kept their noses in front by kicking another penalty but Southam responded, and finished the game in fine style. Influential centre Pete Burnell showed his class and a good turn of speed with an excellent break which was rewarded with a splendid try that Killick converted to put Southam one point ahead. Southam camped in the Saints 22 and victory was sealed when a blindside burst gave veteran wing Tim Gray the opportunity to break three tackles and score an unconverted try in the corner. Andrews and Burnell were outstanding, while replacement Gray made a big impact, as usual, scoring his eighth try in as many games. The 2nds lost 32-19 at Rugby St Andrews but the 3FSs, inspired by Jack Rumsay and Don Smith, defeated their Saints counterparts 12-10. Try scorers were Dan Cramp and Rumsay, with Roger Eadon adding a crucial conversion.