South retain the County Cup in style

South retain the County Cup.

In what was to turn out to be the best final in years South defeated Syston 47-29 to retain the Marsh and Co Senior County cup at the real Welford Road.

South put out a strong side and needed it as Syston put in a determined challenge to win back the trophy they last held in 2010.
It was a fantastic game which ebbed and flowed throughout. The lead changing hands on a number of occasions up to the hour mark when South eventually took control via their powerful pack.
Down 22-19 at halftime and with two players Mike March and Luke Coltman consigned to the bin, South had to withstand considerable pressure to stay in contention. They bravely did that and when normal service was resumed and with a full complement of players the dynamic rolling maul appeared and Syston had no answer.

Highlights were Nick Griffins last ditch tackle on Syston centre Simon Francis after the latter had intercepted a wayward long pass and looked certain to score and Chris Bale’s charge down try to seal the game.
Syston’s Ian Smith with two devastating sidesteps probably scored the try of the game. Mark Lord demonstrated his value to South with six out of seven conversions (the last one hitting a post), some raking touchfinders and an assured display at no 10.

Scorers were Chris Bale (just like his dad used to do just after the Boer war), Luke Coltman and Rod (Robbie) McNaughton two tries apiece, and Mitch Culpin with one try.
Six conversions from the aforementioned Lord commonly known to his friends at the Leicester Mercury as Jez!.

Team: McFedries (Griffin), Collins, Culpin, Smith, Greasley, Lord, Chan Tung, Bale C, Johnson (Castrogiovanni), March, Bale S, Langan, McNaughton (Harris), Coltman, Stapleford (Bayley).

Man of Match: Rod(alter ego Robbie) McNaughton for his first tries of the season.