Sedgley Park Tigers 29 – 22 Dings Crusaders
On Saturday we entertained Bristol side Dings Crusaders in our eighth league game of the season. Both teams sat mid-table, though Dings arrived buoyed by a fine win over leaders Rotherham. We were determined to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Rosslyn Park and deliver a strong performance.
It was also our first charity day of the year, in support of Sic Kids. We welcomed back England U20 and Sale Sharks winger Alex Wills, and handed a debut to flanker Ethan Poole from Rochdale.
Playing up the hill and into a strong wind, the Tigers started superbly. A flowing move wide saw full-back Andy Riley feed Wills, who raced over for the opening try. Oli Glasse converted — 7–0 after eleven minutes.
We controlled territory well, using clever box kicks and solid defence to contain Dings’ wide-running style. On 25 minutes, a penalty led to a lineout deep in their 22, and hooker Adam Mallinson powered over from a driving maul. The conversion drifted wide, but we led 12–0.
Dings replied through a maul try for their hooker, narrowing it to 12–5. Just before halftime, scrum-half Jacob Tansey fed winger Rhys Henderson, who broke four tackles to score under the posts. Glasse added the extras — halftime score 19–5.
The visitors started the second half strongly and scored through their prop after sustained pressure, cutting the gap to 19–12. A penalty from Greg Smith soon put us deep in their 22, and another maul saw Mallinson grab his second. Glasse converted — 26–12 with twenty minutes left.
Captain Connor James was then sin-binned, and Dings capitalised with two more maul tries from their hooker, closing to 26–22.
Under pressure, the Tigers held firm, defending bravely before Glasse’s late penalty sealed a deserved 29–22 victory and maximum points.
It was a thrilling, physical contest between two well-matched sides. Every player gave everything, with special mention to Adam Mallinson for his brace.
The win lifts us to seventh place, just two points behind Sale FC and Rams. A rest week follows before we travel to Tonbridge Juddians on 8th November.
A great win and a proud day for the Tigers — and thanks to all our supporters!
— Steve Hazz