RUGBY UNION: A LARGE crowd turned out to watch Southam produce their worst performance of the season as they well to a 18-43 defeat at home to Pinley in the Midlands 2 West (South).
Southam new they had it all to do having to play without the services of Harry Hewson and James Lander, while coach Stuart Friswell was also unavailable.
The hosts were behind after just three minutes through a penalty before Pinley scored a fine try to go eight points in front.
The lead was cut to just three points when Matt Catterall burst through the visiting defence to set up flanker Pete Burnell who held off two tackles to feed Andy Ford in the corner.
Southam were dealt a major blow when Tom Grimes was forced to withdraw due to a hamstring injury and was replaced by Jack Hewson.
A will Grindal penalty levelled the scores but Southam were soon behind again as Pinley scored two tries, one of which was converted, to take a 8-22 lead into the break.
After the break Pinley came back strongly and scored just three minutes after the re-start to extend their lead further.
Grindal slotted over another penalty to bring Southam back in the game but Pinley scored another try thanks to a 70-metre run-in to which was converted for 11-36.
Pinley increased their lead after taking advantage of a poor clearance but Southam to their credit responded well with Grindal chipping over for winger Alkly Thorpe to gather and score, with Grindal converting for 18-43 which is how it stayed.
