South bounce back to beat Bedford Ath.

South returned to league action in windy Wigston this weekend giving league debut's to ex colts Ollie Mills in the centre and Michael Mark at prop.
Opposition Bedford Athletic opted to kick against the wind in the first half in order to use the elements when the going got tough in the second period. South, however, had other ideas and as early as the 5th minute Ollie Mills was put into space and surged over after a 30 metre run in. The conversion failed, but Rich Lang doubled the advantage with a well worked try from some good offloading by the South forwards. The conversion again failed in the blustery conditions.
Both Chris Meenan and Paul Ryder for Bedford then tried their luck with the boot to open the Ath's account, but both kicks were blown off course.
The South back row in particular was now rampant with Mike March and Chris Bale leading the charge to the Bedford line. Partner in crime Sam Badham was reveling in the extra space afforded to him, so much so, that the opposition defence fell for more outrageous dummies than Mothercare stock in all of their stores put together as he charged over. Mark Lord added the extras.
Soon after Dom Green was harshly sinbinned and Ath begin their best period of the game continually forcing South back into there 22 and mounting attack after attack. Winger Ferneley Simmonds was the recipients of some good hands speeding into the corner for an unconverted try just before the half time break.

Half Time: South 17pts Ath 5pts

Determined to push on, South, now facing the stiff breeze, kept the ball in hand and put together some of their best rugby seen at Welford Road (or anyway else for that matter) this season. Close attacking, offloading and rucking were the order of the day with some penetrative running by the backs lead by Lang and Keiron Collins.
Ath were penalised and Mark Lord drilled the resultant penalty hard and low through the posts to open his account. On the hour a twisting, spinning run by Rich Lang resulted in opportunities for the forwards to build up stream. Big Jim Matthews crashed over in style to further extend South's lead. Lord converted into the eye of the gale and added a further penalty for good measure.
Wes Cartwright and James Harrison were introduced to take over from Sam Badham and Steve Martin as South kept up the momentum until the final whistle.

Ath would be disappointed with the result, but found South in a far more upbeat, dynamic mood then has been evident so far this season. The cohesion and spirit within the team (injuries not withstanding) is coming back and we are winning far quicker ball than previously.
All we have to do is use that ball efficiently and make sure we score on every visit to the opponents 22.

Star men: Sam Badham and Rich Lang

Team: Thomas; Collins, Lang, Mills, Martin (Harrison); Lord, McFredries; March, Bale, Badham (Cartwright), Hemsley, Matthews, Bayley, Green, Mark.

Pinnock.

Match Report:Phil Lord