In an error-strewn tough game played in persistent drizzle, there was little to separate the teams at New River Stadium. South's went ahead after 16 minutes and it looked like remaining 4-0 until half-time when Southgate full-back Darren Luxford dropped the ball over the line three minutes before the break. But a minute later prop Nimai Parmar charged over on the right from close range and Ross Hann converted in style to give Southgate the lead.

The Young Skolars - with 15 teenagers in their ranks - lost focus for a few minutes after the break at the Storm took advantage with two tries in seven minutes. They kept that 16-6 lead until two minutes from time when Hann's kick through fortunately rebounded off a defender straight to him. The diminutive 16-year-old half-back, voted man of the match for an outstanding defensive display, converted his own try but Skolars ran out of time to level in a tense and exciting ending.

Try scorers for Storm were Dave Melling (2) and the returning Gavin Calloo while Chris Beaven kicked two goals.