South out-mauled by local rivals Hinckley

Hinckley take the spoils in a tight local derby on a gluepot of a pitch.

South entertained both Vice Presidents in the bar and local rivals Hinckley on the field in this latest National Three (midlands) fixture. Both teams being keen to take the points to assert themselves at contrasting ends of the league table.
South were represented by virtually the same squad that was on duty at Newport with Tom Armstrong and Matt Clarke returning to bolster the back division, while Max Castrogiovanni was away in Italy and Mark Bayley forced to work.

South started the game strongly forcing Hinckley back with some driving forward rushes involving Mike March, Chris Bale, Dom Green and Gaz Jones. A thumping tackle by Tom Armstong in midfield indirectly lead to a South penalty which Mark Lord converted from 35 metres for the home team to take the lead.
Hinckley responded virtually immediately with a forward drive of their own to score via hooker Sam Masserella converted by Joe Glover. The game began to get bogged down in midfield as both teams fought for superiority with South’s Mike March and Hinckley’s Paul Gutteridge being sin binned for a bout of handbags. Lord had two chances with long range penalties kicked from the central morass to retake the lead, but both were just short. Glover from a firmer stance wide on the left added to the Hinckley total for a half time score of South 3 points Hinckley 10 points.

Hinckley began to assert themselves after the break mauling to good effect and preventing South gaining clean possession at both scrum and lineout. South strangely opted to go to ground rather than maul (one of their normal strengths) their way back into the game. However, Hinckley’s back row began to win the battle in the bog resulting in a number of turnover’s which could have been dangerous. South were unable to provide go forward ball and failed on many occasions to get over the gain line. Glover increased Hinckley’s lead with another penalty.
As the game drew to a close South began to put together their best period of play forcing some desperate defence from the away side. South players were convinced that a March/Armstrong combined touch down was valid, but the referee thought otherwise. However, some further poor decision making with two kickable penalties spurned meant Hinckley got out of jail and South didn’t even take a bonus point – in-excusable at this level!

The game was always going to be close as they always are with Hinckley. Both sets of players worked hard in poor underfoot conditions, but unfortunately for South, Hinckley took their chances.

Team: Clarke, Cartwright, Childs, Armstrong, Nicholson, Lord, Mcfedries, Bale C, Mark C, March ©, Antill, Bale S, Mark M (Fincham), Green, Jones.

Unused replacements: Jordan, Yeow.

Man of the Match: Kris Mcfedries.