Souths 3rds had also spent the past two weeks training hard in preparation for the second half of the season. That extra time honing their skills as well as a considerable effort into improving their fitness and awareness led to a brutal opening stanza by Coach Leituala’s charges. An off the pace Arks outfit couldn’t match this Souths side as the forwards led by Captain Kori Cooper and stalwart Ray Medway provided the beefy bombardment that Arks just didn’t need. A well-practise lineout led to Cooper opening the scoring, converted by Ray Nell. This game belonged to the forwards, with props Irwin Swinny and Matt CeBall ruthless with ball in hand and at the breakdown. More pressure saw Dirk Penny, starting at 6, score one of his trademark tries. With a penalty awarded straight infront, the quick tap and grass-cutting scoot saw the ball grounded. Converted again by Nell saw Souths 14-0 up. As in the earlier game, Arks rose though to the challenge with a good score of their own, unconverted, that kept them in touch. With Souths forwards in such a mood though, they would have to increase their tempo considerably to make it a true contest.

The second half started with more Arks possession and time for Souths backs to prove their worth. A sharpness not seen before this season stopped any attack which escaped the grasp of the pack and made Arks work for every ball. Problems at scrum time saw numerous infringements go both ways. One such penalty Nell found his range after numerous missed attempts earlier. The next attempt though was to be as bizarre as it was rewarding. His long range attempt from the far right, inexplicably swirled on a flawless day, although high, it drifted left of the post. Everyone looked at their boots, their drinks or into space. Not Morne Steenkamp though. The lightning 14 had bolted as the ball had left Nells boot. Covering over 50 metres he arrived over the Arks try line as his opposing winger had failed to deal with the bobbling remnant . Steenkamp grounded and almost celebrated alone, until his team mates and well-wishing onlookers realised his fleet-footed efforts had been rewarded. Converted by Nell, 24-5 to Souths. The remaining portion of the game saw the usual late changes and belonged to Arks. A neat try from another quick attack down Steenkamps wing doubled their score, but bogged down by a more of scrummage infringements the game ended with a whimper. Nonetheless, a solid and well deserverd win from an ever improving Souths 3rd team.

Player of the day Swinny celebrated as did the rest of the club in a fitting fashion in the evenings event and discussed with considerable animation the visit for both grades next week to Curtin.