South win at home in season opener

South opened this seasons league game against Bromsgrove, who for the last 3 years have played at Level 4 , National 2, so it was no surprise that players and club were a little apprehensive on what the game would bring.
On a dry and manicured pitch (prepared by Ian Read of Matchfit SportsTurf ) with new playing kit sponsored by Webb Ellis and new warm up kit sponsored by the Cooke Group the players started the first 10 mins with 2 charged downs against them resulting in 2 trys for Bromsgrove.
With the new signings of Wes Cope, Jethro Rawlings, Reece Harris (who is still U18 and a colts player), Michael Maltman, and Kris Mcfedries (back after 2 years at Hinckley) the side under the direction of Mike Holford ( head coach Paul Westgate was unavailable this week) worked hard to get back into the game, Will Cave running in a try, converted by Riki Aley, who added another 2 penalty's to take South into the lead at half time 13-12
The second half was all South, early substitutions (paddy for Reece & Jack for Ed) helped cement the team in the scrum, giving the platform for Lee Robinson and Connor Smith to cross the Line, with Wesley Cope adding another try for the front row union. Gaz Nicholson came on for Lee Robinson with 20 minutes to go, and ensured that Bromsgrove did not cross the South line in the second half, their only points coming from 2 penalty's. Riky concluded the scoring with another conversion and 2 penalties.
Final score 36-18, 5 pts in the bag and a great start to the season, well done to all.

South Leicester got their National Three Midlands campaign off to a flying start with a 36-18 bonus-point win against Bromsgrove.
The visitors took an early 12-3 lead thanks to two tries on the counter-attack but South responded with four tries, including a score by debutant hooker Wes Cope.
South's backs were also in fine fettle as Will Cave, Connor Smith and Lee Robinson crossed the line, while reliable fly-half Rikki Aley added 16 points with the boot.
There have been a few changes at Welford Road this summer and head coach Paul Westgate was encouraged with South's opening performance.
He said: "We have looked at what we want to achieve at South Leicester and are looking to change the culture."During two months of pre-season, we have developed a framework both on and off the pitch."I think the most important step the club took was reintroducing the colts section 18 months ago."In the past, we have looked to go outside the club to make signings but are now looking to be more club-centred."Rhys Harris, who is still only 17, started at No.6, and we have appointed a young captain in Will Ward."It's always good to win your first league game. It was a convincing win after a nervous start.
"To go two tries behind early on, to two charge-downs as well, and go on to win shows that the players believe in what we're doing.
"It is going to be a long season and we are going to face lots of tough challenges, but we are looking forward to it. We want to focus on enjoyment and will take it one game at a time."