Redditch Arrows 15 Southern Sundevils 28

Redditch Arrows fell to a narrow defeat in their first home game of the season.

The Ash Lane tenants went into the game fresh from victory in South Wales and had the upper hand in the early stages to take an early 7-0 lead.

A 20 yard interception from Arrows defensive back Karl Watkins set them up on the Sundevils' 20 yard line.

A 17 yard Dave Mills run followed by a Mills three yard rush put the Arrows in the end-zone.

The home defense stopped Southern on their next drive, but as the Arrows were moving the ball upfield again and threatening to extend the lead, the visiting defense forced a fumble they not only recovered but returned 52 yards for a touchdown.

A successful two point conversion gave them lead at 8-7.

Arrows again presented the National Two favourites with the opportunity to score on their next possession.

Another fumble gave Sundevils the ball on their 20 yard line and the visitors capitalised with a 12 yard pass completion to rack up a commanding 16-7 lead at the half.

The third quarter saw Southern take control and a good drive based on a strong rushing attack saw them hit paydirt again on a three yard rush for a 22-7 lead.

Arrows showed resilience in responding early in the fourth quarter when they reduced the deficit on Perkins' four yard rush to 15-22.

Southern responded by driving downfield only for the Arrows defense to force a fumble on its own three yard line just as it appeared the visitors would put the game away.

But Arrows' joy was short-lived as they returned the favour giving Southern first and goal at the three yard line.

This time the visitors made no mistake and finished the scoring on a three yard run

Arrows visit Plymouth Admirals on June 1.