South went down by 36 -10 to Broad Street as the Coventry side clinched the Midlands One title and instant promotion into the new National League Division 2 North for 2009-10.
South, however, kept their visitors close during a stirring first half against the wind scoring a good converted try and a penalty courtesy of Wes Cartwright and Mark Lord. At one stage the score of 10-11 reflected the never say die attitude of the South team, who with six regulars missing, took the game to the visitors on numerous occasions. The back row of Mike March, Wes Cartwright and "man of the match" Rob Sands were everywhere, while stand in full back Kris McFredries attacked at every opportunity. Unfortunately, the difference between the teams was the Broad Street clinical finishing while South made some excellent breaks and initial offloads, but failed to put away numerous chances. The lack of support at the breakdown enabled Street to get out of jail and counterattack ultimately going on and punish South to the tune of five tries to one.
Street deserved their victory although the score at the end flattered the visitors and didn't really reflect the sterling work put in by the South team.
One game to go away at Kettering to enable South to end the season on a high and a mid table finish.
Team: McFredries, Collins, Hurst (Martin), Armstrong, Nicholson, Lord, Stevens, Sands, Cartwright, March (c), Antill, Harris S, James, Green, Harris A (Mark M)
Unused replacement: Mark R.
Match report:Phil Lord