CMK Stratford Premier lost a game that they clearly should have won.
The team led 23-12 with 20 minutes remaining before Southern were gifted two intercept tries - one from 60m and one from 80 to secure the 29-23 win.
Stratford's Simon Edwards received a guard of honour when he came out for playing 100 games for the club. However those celebrations were soon forgotten as Southern scored first with a try. Leone Nawai then slotted a penalty followed by a well worked try down the sideline to lead 8-3. Nawai then later kicked another penalty to stretch the lead to 11-5. Just before halftime, Southern scored their second try which was converted to make the score 12-11 at half time.
Stratford had the first say in the second spell with two tries back to back. The first came from hard work by the forwards through Rhys Pratt and the other was credited to number 8 Kolaia Nalewabau to take a well-earned lead.
But then the runaway tries came from Southern which were both under the posts which allowed Southern to lead 29-23. Stratford were close to the line in the dying stages but the defence of Southern was far too good. There were some good performances by Stratford including Hamish Walker and Jack Jordan in the forwards while Leone Nawai was dangerous with Jordan Masters solid at the back.
