South enjoy first win of the season

A 3 hour A1 coach trip to North Yorkshire through rolling fields and giant power stations didn't phase South who came away with a deserved bonus point win.
An early Morgan penalty for Harrogate gave the hosts the lead but within 10 minutes South had hit back through Ryan Hough who scored for the South when he and Calum Gunn opened up the Harrogate defence to cross for a try, Rickie Aley converted, score 3-7. South looked on top but could not add to their score despite coming close on number of occasions. The game was turned around after a Morgan penalty for Harrogate, score 6-7, followed by a heel against the head which caught South napping, Edwards scooted over for a converted try. HT score 13-7
An early second half penalty then gave Harrogate a 16-7 lead.
From the touchline it always looked as if South could pull this round which they duly did, starting with a Gareth Clarke try converted by Aley score16-14. Aley quickly added a penalty after the home side conceded a penalty following a strong scrum from South. Score 16-17. Aley then produced his party piece when his accurate cross field kick was collected superbly by Gareth Turner for a converted try. score 16-24. Rickie Aley then added a drop goal from distance, score 16-27 and just before the final whistle the bonus point try was scored by Gareth Turner who got on the end of a lineout catch and drive. Aley converting. FT score 16-34
This was a curates egg of a performance, good in parts. Unbeaten Sale come to Wigston next and South will have to ensure that their game is an organic, free range, double yoked egg to get the result they are very capable of achieving.

Mick McNeill