South back to winning ways

South Leicester 23 Preston Grasshoppers 10

South went into the interval with a 20-0 lead but a combination of the green and whites taking their foot off the gas plus Preston pressing the accelerator and most crucially of all the referee's decisions, made the second half less productive. At one stage South had only thirteen players on the pitch.

The home side started with tremendous intent with ball being moved with speed and precision. This resulted In a try after only 4 minutes. Jake Heath raced from his 22 linked with the supporting Matt Cooke who put Blane Howe over, Rickie Aley converting 7-0

Preston could not get out of their half and when after 20 minutes they did Gaz Turner picked a loose ball in his 22 and outpaced the visitors winger to cross for an unconverted try 10-0. South were looking for more tries as Rickie Aley took a quick penalty in his 22 found Jake Heath who ran 40 metres before being forced into touch. Another score soon came after, Aley's chip over Preston's defence was gathered by Blane Howe who had plenty of time to saunter over for an unconverted try 20-0 HT and looking good.

The second half was almost like a different game. The visitors looked in no mood to capitulate but the game was going nowhere until Josh McLaurin was sent to the sin bin and Preston scented their chance. After 62 mins they scored a converted try 20-7. South came back to steady the ship, Aley extended South's lead with penalty 23-10. Aley was then yellow carded for what looked like an attempt to intercept a pass. Josh McLaurin was sent off for a second yellow after competing for the ball in a line out. Preston kicked a penalty after 73 mins 23-10 and that's the way the scored stayed as South kept Preston out sometimes with 13 and sometimes with 14 players on the pitch.23-10 FT

Mick McNeill