London South Africa back with a bang

Saturday 13th January 2007

London South Africa RFC (LSA) ground out an important 17-21 away win against Croydon (Shirley Wand) on Saturday, to maintain their second position at the top of the Surrey Division One. A slow start to the New Year saw LSA narrowly go down at home to a last gasp try by 14-15 the week before to Old Alleynian, but new head coach Bob Crooks has been quick to make his mark at the club.

“We had a good training session on Wednesday night where we focused on a few issues and there was a good buzz, and this has resulted in a disciplined, gutsy performance today that has ensured that we were able to close out a tight game,” he commented. LSA’s discipline and strong morale was evident in their ability to hold onto their winning lead despite many penalties going against them.

According to Crooks, the next challenge is to build more organisation into the team’s play, who have good individual skills, but need to develop into a more cohesive unit. A week off league action next week will give the LSA Surrey XV the opportunity to hold an additional training session to work on these issues. Meanwhile, the LSA Shield XV are away against Blackheath on Saturday - always a tough fixture - and all supporters are encouraged to come and cheer the team on.

Surrey XV Squad: Aldo Du Plessis, Werner Swanepoel. AK Southey, Christian van Rooyen,  Justin Rose, Mark Porter, Jake Hoddinott, Anton Kriel, John Turner, Matt Fendick, Gary Johnston, Jarred Vock, Dave Blackburn, Trevor Grundelingh, Dave Kelly, Malcolm Mirfin, Andre Retief, Ryan Williamson.