After a warm up ‘preseason’  tournament where we took 2 mixed ability teams to Finham Park -(26 lads enjoying there first run out and getting to the final), it was time for the season to get under way proper with a home fixture against Fairfax from Sutton Coldfield.

With several players absent, the influential Lewis S and James E to name a few, there could have been concerned rumbles in the air. The concerns were as numerous as the clouds in the sky, (non existent), as from Kick off Charlie S went wide to score a great pacey try. The team then took it to Fairfax, who in fairness tackled their hearts out, and at times out rucked Southam, but they struggled to cope with the speed and strength of the side, combined with Southam’s ferocious tackling.  Will H was instrumental in securing ball alongside Ali M and Austin O., Austin being desperately unlucky to be held up from a ‘pick and go’ near the line, denied by a thick Fairfax forearm. Josh E made several darting runs and ran through to secure Southam’s second. Ali was a great pack leader in the absence of Lewis, leading from the front in the rucks. Will H was also outstanding in the tackle- keep focused and you will go far.

Callum M. began to show power in the scrum and the forwards set a base for the likes of Josh, Charlie and Sam R to run the game. Sam led his defensive line like a young Jonny Wilkinson! The new signing of the year on the wing Oli R was not only impressive in the tackle situation – driving the Fairfax wing nearly over his own line, but also in setting Charlie up for another. Harry L scythed his way through on several occasions and scored a scorcher as Southam stretched away. Most notably Josh E and Joe C continued to take down the huge talisman of Fairfax, and as they passed the ball in panic Harry took another opportunity to score. Blake C made a great tackle to save Southam from danger before coming off with an injury. The versatile George P was excellent in attack and defence mixing it up in the backs and forwards. A lot can be shown by his and Ausin O’s body positions today in securing the ball. Charlie F made several good runs out wide and presented the ball well. The second half saw the back 3 replaced. Will M made sure of his tackling and Ronan O made several tackles under pressure. The strong Haden and new raw talent of Drew C came off the bench into second row. Drew most notably made several crunching tackles to dislodge the ball. Tommy B showed his versatility in playing both prop and second row with solid sound effect to secure the scrum.   Josh E scored another from a loose ball and set Freddie C up for his first try in Southam Colours with a 2 on 1 from the scrum. The last try finished off with a mazy run from the scrum half, before giving to Charlie to speed away into the distance. Charlie is a talent who continues to impress and should never be taken for granted.

Mr Robinson awarding Josh  man of the match for a ‘De Klerk’ style performance. Joe C was not far behind with amazing tackles that stopped huge lads in their tracks. There was a little disjointed play and slipped tackles that need to be improved, as Fairfax took 2 consolation tries, students will need to take responsibility for fitness and improving their ‘work ons ‘ during the season, but a great start boys.

Try scorers Harry L (3), Josh  E (3), Charlie S (4), Freddie C (1) final score : Southam 55 Fairfax 10.

Training Thursday 24th.