On Saturday Simpson was second top scorer with 51 in a Souths’ total of 7-278 and

then in his fourth over with

the new ball yesterday he claimed three quality wickets in four balls to rip the heart out of the Rugby’s top-order batting.

With a grand final spot on offer for the winners against Jason Ryan and his RSL-Colts next weekend, Souths and Rugby had everything to gain and on this occasion it was Souths who enjoyed the spoils of victory.

Winning the toss on Saturday was vital and Simpson was soon into the game.

He made 51 in the total and his 100-run stand for the second wicket with Rod Morrison (84) set the platform for a big Souths’ total.

Bearing in mind that Rugby had some match-winning batsmen of their own in openers Jordan Moran and Michael Kempston and Nathan Munro at three, Souths captain John Colwell laid it on the line for his bowlers.

“You can’t afford to give these batters any width or short balls. They’ll put you away,’ he said.

“Our aim was to bowl straight on a wicket that would probably give a bit and make them work for their runs.

“Choppy (Simpson) was really a standout and he thoroughly deserved his 5 for 54 from 12 overs.

“When you are captain you want every wicket that comes your way and his fourth over really gave us the upper hand.

“First up Tom Quilter took a great catch running back to get rid of Kempston and next ball I got a screamer in the gully to see the back of Moran.

“Dougie North staved off the hat-trick but then was caught in front of the wicket and out leg before and all of a sudden Choppy had 3-31 and Rugby were 4-38.”

And just as well Simpson did get the wickets when he did as Moran was in superb touch with 34 coming from just 15 shots including a six into the tennis courts off Simpson.

Sadly for Rugby they didn’t get going although Wayne Munro (21), Aidan Bennewith (24) and Zac Murphy (27) got starts.

Colwell’s attack of Simpson, Tim Berry (1-16), Tom Quilter (3-36) and Matt Finlay (1-27) was up to the task and lived up its name of being the best in the competition.

While disappointed with the result Rugby captain Nathan Munro conceded all the honours were with Souths.

“They got quality runs on Saturday and we didn’t respond today,” he said.