Return to action for Menaces and Rogues

South Leicester were preparing for their tour and divided their players into a strong squad and a developmental one.

Menaces v S Leicester developmental

Menaces started well, turning defence into attack and "Turbo TK" Thomas Kemp used side step and speed to score from deeo inside his own half. Even some of the home parents remembered him from his rugby debut against them in 2012. In a rare attack, South however responded and drew level. That was their last success.
Max Vesty was very strong in a maul and the ball came out to George Hallam who crashed through to retake the lead. He added his second before half time for a 3:1 lead.
Vesty and Tom Stockley combined well and Jake Dixon wass putting in some good runs too but it was the lively Henry Bellamy who scored the 4th. Jo Williams gained good ground in a strong run. Toby Fletcher and Jake Holmes provided good support and Frank Clarke was a force to be reckoned with in the breakdown. Hallam added 2 more for a 6:1 win.

Menaces v S Leicester 'A'

This was a different game altogether, although Menaces started well. South took the lead through their large strong forwards but Menaces hadn't at that point read the script and the backs combined well to set up TK to speed down theright wing to level. From an attacking scrum in the South half, the ball came out to Stockley who surprised all with a run down the blindside and through the remaining defenders to score. South came back strong and levelled then took the lead. By half time it was 4:2. In the second half, South added three more but the final say fell to Hallam for his 4th of the day for a respectable scoreline against the strong opposition.

South Leicester A (6) – Market Harborough Rogues (1)
In the first game against a strong South Leicester A team, Rogues were soon on the back foot and two try’s down in the first half. A great drive through from Zack Green got the visitors on the score sheet before just before half time.

In the second half, Rogues were battered and bruised by a powerful home side. Tom Conneely was substituted with a twisted knee and could only watch from the side line as South Leicester scored four more try’s to win the game.

South Leicester B (3) – Market Harborough (11)
Rogues then faced the B Team and in contrast it was Rogues who dominated their opponents. Billy Stamp-Ellam scored following a scrum on the halfway line. The second Rogue’s try came from pressure that forced a 5 metre line-out and the result was Ewan Jones sneaking over in the corner. Luke Ainsworth then scored having picked up a great off load from Zack Green and this was quickly followed by a fine sole effort from Jones. South Leicester scored a great try following sustained pressure on the Harborough defence. Zack Green then quickly responded straight from the re-start.

The second half was equal to the first in its excitement and try tally. Jones bagged another in the corner and then South Leicester got their second of the game. Ainsworth scored a solo effort from the re-start and the Stamp-Ellam showed fine skill to score two more quick try’s. Will Green ran the full length of the pitch to rack up the tenth try for the Rogues. Stamp-Ellam then bagged his forth and the home side rounded off the game with their third try. Overall,it was a fine win for the Rogues and a great team effort.