Southam storm to a derby win
Harbury 8 Southam 43

RUNNERS-up Southam avenged an earlier defeat with an emphatic Midlands Five West (South) victory at neighbours Harbury on Saturday.  The big band of travelling supporters were rewarded with an excellent display by Southam who were dominant in all phases of the game.

The visitors, playing into a strong wind, were quickly into their stride and only determined defending kept them at bay.  Southam's scrummage was outstanding with the front row of Bruce Childs, Gareth Andrews and Dan Winfleld taking ten strikes against the head, while Ed Ellis and Austin Winfleld dominated the lineout.

The early pressure was eventually rewarded when centre Pete Burnell ran in from 30 metres and crashed over.

The lead was increased when an excellent run from Pete Bicknell was stopped short of the line and Southam were awarded a penalty which full back Roger Killick converted.

Harbury got back into contention on the stroke of half time through Rob Shuttleworth who slotted over a penalty.  Harbury's best spell came at the start of the second half and they reduced the arrears when a well worked move ended with Shuttleworth going over in the corner.

But almost immediately replacement Eric Leeson, lock playing on the wing, showed a good turn of speed to sprint over from 41 metres with Killick converting.

Southam moved the ball at every opportunity and fly-half Andy Childs produced the perfect pass to Killick who burst through to score a try under the posts which he also converted.

Replacement scrum-half Rob Pelter gave a cameo performance in the final 20 minutes, and a rolling maul in the Harbury 22 ended with Austin Winfleld feeding flanker Jim Frogley who powered over.

Harbury were also willing to throw the ball about but a loose pass was intercepted by veteran wing Tim Gray who ran fully 50 metres (no way he can really run that far, Ed.) for an excellent try which Killick converted.

Killick completed an impressive afternoon by popping up on the left wing to receive a pass from Pelter and squeeze in at the corner.  Killick also added a magnificent conversion which took his point: tally to 21 and clocked up 100 for the season.

Harbury's back row of Flegg, Moreton and Smith gave their all with scrum-half Sean Geary pick of their side.

• Harbury 2nds triumphed 27-27 at Southam thanks to tries from Bruce Ridell, Tom Kittendorf, Graeme Burgess and Rob Andrew; who also kicked two conversions and a penalty.