Season Review – Steve Hazzelby
Here we go again – the start of a brand new season for the Tigers. On Saturday we begin our latest campaign, marking our third consecutive year in National One. As many of you know, this is the third tier of English rugby, and it remains one of the most competitive and challenging leagues in the country, with strong teams drawn from every corner of England.
Last season we finished in 11th place – a solid effort, but one we are determined to improve upon. Our opening fixture is as tough as they come, against the formidable Rams from Reading. They are a powerful, well-drilled side who consistently occupy the top five places in the table and have narrowly missed out on promotion in each of the last two years. Our encounters with them last season reflected the challenge: a 22-40 defeat away in October, followed by a thrilling 35-34 home victory in March.
The squad has worked tirelessly throughout July and August to ensure we are ready for the demands of another National One season. Pre-season has been extremely positive, with impressive performances in our friendlies against Preston Grasshoppers (47-7) and Macclesfield (45-5). Just as importantly, our playing group has been strengthened with some exciting arrivals and welcome returns. Among the new faces are scrum half Jacob Tansey from Caldy, prop Beltus Nonleh from Northampton, and fly half Charlie Wardle from Sale Sharks. Their quality and experience will add depth to the squad and raise our competitiveness across the season.
There has also been an important change in leadership. Our inspirational captain Matt Riley has decided to hang up his boots, but his commitment to the club remains as he joins the coaching team led by Scott Barrow. We are delighted to see Connor James step into the captaincy – a versatile and dedicated player who is eager to embrace the challenge and drive the Tigers forward.
Pre-Season Review: Rams
Our visitors have also been busy preparing for the new campaign with a strong set of warm-up fixtures. On 16th August, Rams were beaten 24-38 by a powerful Aberavon side from the Welsh Premiership. They quickly responded a week later on 23rd August, securing an impressive 47-24 away win against Taunton Titans. Most recently, on 28th August, they rounded off their preparations in emphatic style with a commanding 57-7 victory over Oxford Harlequins. These results underline their strength, depth, and readiness for another promotion-challenging season.
As we embark on this campaign, your support will be as vital as ever. National One rugby is demanding, and the players thrive on the backing of our home crowd. So, I encourage you all to come down to Park Lane this Saturday, get behind the Tigers, and help us begin the season in the best possible fashion.
Let’s make it another memorable year.
Steve Hazzelby
Sedgley Tigers