Leicester Lions 14 – Sedgley Park Tigers 24
On Saturday, the Tigers were back on the road as they travelled to face old rivals Leicester Lions. Having beaten Leicester convincingly earlier in the season, and with the Lions sitting at the foot of the table fighting for survival, Sedgley Park were under no illusions about the challenge ahead, past visits to this ground had often favoured the home side.
Despite several enforced changes due to injury, the Tigers arrived confident after a strong week of preparation and were determined to deliver another solid performance.
Playing into a strong wind on a heavy, muddy surface in the first half, Sedgley Park focused on controlling territory and applying pressure in the Lions’ 22. The Tigers’ set piece laid strong foundations early on, with the scrum dominant and the line-out functioning accurately.
After nine minutes, a penalty allowed the Tigers to kick to the five-metre line, where the forwards executed a well-drilled drive for hooker Adam Mallinson to touch down for the opening score. The conversion narrowly missed, but the Tigers led 5–0 and were playing with good tempo and intent.
Against the run of play, however, Leicester struck back. An attempted wide pass was intercepted, allowing the Lions’ scrum-half to race 40 metres to score, with the conversion putting the hosts 7–5 ahead after sixteen minutes.
The remainder of the half saw a tactical kicking battle as both sides looked to gain territory, but Sedgley Park regained control just before the break. A sharp line break from centre Nathan Pope opened the defence, and quick hands through Zane Ainsley sent winger Andy Riley over for the Tigers’ second try. Oli Glasse added the conversion, giving Sedgley Park a deserved 12–7 lead at half-time.
The Tigers began the second half with the benefit of the wind and immediately set about pinning Leicester back in their own half. Sustained pressure and good phase play inside the Lions’ 22 paid dividends after 52 minutes, when tight-head prop Danny Rylance crashed over for Sedgley’s third try. Glasse converted to extend the lead to 19–7.
Five minutes later, another flowing passage of play saw the ball moved quickly to the right, where winger Rhys Henderson beat the final defender to score the Tigers’ fourth and bonus-point try.
Leicester responded with determination, and a strong line break from fly-half Luke Boucher resulted in their second try, which he converted, narrowing the gap with twelve minutes remaining. However, the Tigers defended resolutely to close out the game and secure a well-earned 24–14 victory, collecting five valuable league points and moving up to ninth place in the table.
Scrum-half Matt Sturgess was named Man of the Match, though the result was very much a collective effort, with every member of the squad contributing to a committed, disciplined and ultimately match-winning performance.
Attention now turns to another tough test, as the Tigers welcome Yorkshire rivals Leeds Tykes to Park Lane on Friday night, with an 8:00pm kick-off under the floodlights. While Sedgley Park were convincing winners earlier in the season, Leeds arrive in good form following notable victories against Clifton and league leaders Rotherham, setting the stage for a challenging and exciting encounter.
We hope to see plenty of support at Park Lane to help create a great Friday night atmosphere.
Cheers,
Steve Hazz