COMBINED SOUTHERN REGIONS 16 AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND EXILES 24
MATT ANNISS, Twyford Avenue Sports Ground, Acton, Saturday

TWO tries in the last 15 minutes helped the Exiles to a narrow win over a Combined Southern Regions side formed earlier this year to provide a performance pathway for ambitious players from beyond the north of England.

Southern Regions, who trailed 8-0 on the half-hour to unconverted touchdowns by James Duchatel and Kyle Tucker, went 10-8 up with tries in a three-minute spell straddling the break for Tyler Johnson-Thomas (the Souths’ best player) and Andy Prosser, the second of which Dan Robinson converted.

Jimmy Russell restored the advantage for the Exiles, who included a swathe of players from 2025 Southern Conference League Champions Hammersmith Hill Hoists, but Jack Ryan, who had been off-target with his first two efforts, this time hit an upright. 

Southern Regions nosed ahead again on the hour, thanks to Dom Aston’s try and Robinson’s second goal from three attempts.

But the Exiles, spearheaded by Keanu Laumatia-Paki, had the better of the closing stages.

Semisi Ikahihifo squeezed in wide out, Ryan landing the touchline conversion to edge his side 18-16 ahead on 65 minutes.

And, with the seconds ticking away, Tom Crossle forced his way over, Ryan’s second goal ensuring that there was no way back for Southern Regions, who meet Wales Dragonhearts at Neath on Saturday.

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND EXILES: James Duchatel (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Semisi Ikahihifo (Wests Warriors), Tamati Gribble (Wests Warriors), Kyle Tucker (Wests Warriors), Kane Strachan (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Jack Ryan (capt, Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Matthew Beasley (Wests Warriors), Keanu Laumatia-Paki (Wests Warriors), Dylan Leney (Wests Warriors), Matt Jessop (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Todd Peut (London Chargers), Tom Crossle (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Tyler Rush (Hammersmith Hill Hoists). Subs: Jimmy Russell (Hammersmith Hill Hoists), Chris Williams (unknown club), Mitchell Cairns-Nelson (Wests Warriors)

COMBINED SOUTHERN REGIONS: Callum Whitcombe (Brentwood Eels), Louis Baker (Medway Dragons), Dan Robinson (Telford Raiders), George Jackson (Wests Warriors), David Bofenda (Eastern Rhinos), Liam Fussell (Telford Raiders), Luke Drummond (Elmbridge Eagles), Jack Jonson (Nottingham Outlaws), Doug Chirnside (London Chargers), Euan Tiernan (Brentwood Eels), Georgie Treffers (Brentwood Eels), Tyler Johnson-Thomas (Wests Warriors), Coryn Ward (capt, Nottingham Outlaws). Subs: George Moore (Medway Dragons), Andy Prosser (Oxford Cavaliers), Jack Cummins (Elmbridge Eagles), Tyler Long (Hemel Stags), Dom Aston (Elmbridge Eagles), Ed Brown (Bedford Tigers), Callum Dockerill (North Herts Crusaders)

Referee: Peter Parker (Southern Society)