Sedgley Match Report

Saturday was battle of the big cats, when Sedgley Tigers hosted Leicester Lions at Park Lane in what were almost perfect rugby conditions.

The early exchanges were well matched, with both teams retaining possession for fairly large periods of play. Sedgley then made a break from just outside the Lions 22 and strong carry from Sedgley's captain saw them draw first blood and dot down with the first try. From the restart the Lions worked themselves into decent field position and fly half Rory Lynn poked through a lovely weighted grubber for Lions number 13 Nathan Donnachie to gather and score.

As the game was very close, both sides opted to trade penalty kicks rather than kick for the corner. Sedgley then showed their class in the backs by finishing a move from set piece that was straight off the training paddock, featuring some very obstructive decoy runners but nonetheless very effective.

Lions re-gathered their composure and began asking questions of the Sedgley defence peppering holes across their backline. Unfortunately the half time break was closing in and Sedgley defence seemed to have held firm. Lions were unlucky not to score but persistent infringements were aplenty and Lions gladly took 3 points before the half time whistle to keep it a 5-point game.

Half time score 19-14

The second half started the same as the first finished with more Sedgley infringements at the breakdown and Lions took another 3 points to make the score 19-17 to the hosts.

Sedgley replied with another try through their backs, again looking more like a well drilled rugby league outfit than a stereotypical stick-it-up-your-jumper northern union side.

Lions replied with another penalty to keep in touch but Sedgley found another two gears and seem to be fully in their rhythm now looking dangerous from all areas of the pitch.

The Lions were pressuring Sedgley's try line when a turnover lead to a break from the hosts 22. A strong carry and recycle then saw the ball shipped out to the supporting backs that gladly finished down the opposite end of the field.
A 46m Sedgley park penalty and also a drop-goal really put the nail in the coffin.

Full-Time; Sedgley Park 39-20 Leicester Lions

Although the last quarter of the game Leicester Lions allowed Sedgley to stretch their lead and flatter themselves on the scoreboard, it wasn’t all doom and gloom as for 60 minutes the Lions looked dangerous with ball in hand and solid in defence. Another tough loss on the road, however things are starting to click and the boys can be proud of how they played for the majority of the match.

Report by Josh McLaurin