Away day blues - again!

South returned from a sunny, cold and crisp Coventry empty handed as Broadstreet taught them a lesson in finishing and closing out a game. The score probably flattered the home side as South conceded 2 tries late in the game when heads had gone down. Street are a well drilled and uncompromising outfit who have a reputation for playing rugby on or just over the edge! They are enjoying a good season vying for top spot in the division and they certainly enjoyed superiority for most of the game.

Generally, South needed to be on top form to repeat last season's heroics, but were flat and only occasionally threatened the home try line. They, however, weren't helped by the one sided penalty count by another over zealous referee who was good on the technical offences, but again failed to control the contact areas. Her ability to referee equitably was affected by the home sides equally over zealous physical approach on the field, their continual verbal contributions to influence her decision making and an equally one eyed partisan crowd.

What South would give to play on such a good surface every week and be surrounded by such excellent facilities. The 4 try, 4 penalty and 1 conversion count from Street to 3 Mark Lord penalties, however, told its own story. The 14 - 6 half time score illustrated that South competed for long periods, but were never allowed (by the opposition or the referee) to settle and put together many periods of sustained pressure.

Disappointing in terms of handling errors prevalent throughout the team, not necessarily in contact, although the pack were committed to the cause. The lineout was much better with Mike March stealing some quality possession from Street. Chris Bale and Rob Sands made a nuisance of themselves thwarting a number of Street attacks, but as the game went on they were all to often outnumbered at the breakdown as Street took control. South gave a season's debut to Richard Bailey on the left wing.

A break next week then Peterborough at home to put the South show back on the road before Christmas.

Team: Thomas, Collins, Hurst, Armstrong, Bailey, Lord, McFredries, Bale, Sands (Cartwright), March, Badham, Matthews, Harris, Green, Bayley (James).

Lang.

Match report:Phil Lord