Match Report: Dings Crusaders 19 – 0 Sedgley Park Tigers
On Saturday the Tigers travelled to Bristol to face Dings Crusaders in what was always going to be a crucial fixture at the lower end of the National One table. Having edged the reverse fixture earlier in the season, and with both sides fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone, the importance of the contest was clear.
Conditions made matters difficult. Despite the artificial 3G surface, heavy rain and a swirling wind created a challenging environment for both teams.
The Tigers started brightly, playing with tempo and purpose, and had an early opportunity to take the lead from the tee inside the opening five minutes, but the kick drifted wide. We continued to apply pressure, earning a number of penalties and good territory inside the Dings 22. However, inaccurate lineouts at key moments allowed the home side to relieve the pressure and prevented us from converting possession into points.
Defensively, the first half was evenly contested. Our line speed was sharp and the chop tackling effective, but discipline proved costly. On 35 minutes loosehead prop Jon Blanchard was shown a yellow card, and from the resulting penalty Dings capitalised, hooker Tomas Gwilliam driving over from close range. Fly-half George Boulton added the conversion to give the hosts a 7–0 lead at the interval.
The second half saw the Tigers playing into the wind and chasing the game. Despite sustained effort, Dings’ defensive organisation remained strong. On 58 minutes Boulton’s cross-field kick was collected by winger Alpha Ly, who finished well in the corner. The conversion extended the lead to 14–0.
We thought we had created a route back into the contest following a powerful break from No.8 Isaac Deans, only for play to be brought back for obstruction. It proved another pivotal moment in a game where fine margins went against us.
Dings sealed the result on 69 minutes when flanker George Taylor crossed to make it 19–0. A second yellow card, this time to replacement prop Ozzie Downham, left us with 14 men for the closing stages and we were unable to mount a late response.
The final score of 19–0 was a frustrating outcome. The effort and commitment from the squad could not be faulted, but we were unable to turn territory and pressure into points. With Dings now level with us in the table and the bottom half tightly congested, the final six fixtures take on even greater significance.
We return to Park Lane this Saturday to face Tonbridge Juddians, who were convincing winners in the reverse fixture. It represents another significant challenge, but one we are determined to meet head on.
We look forward to seeing a strong home crowd behind the team.
Many thanks,
Steve Hazz