A tough day at Sedgley Park

Having been more than a match for Sedgley Park in the first half we looked in good stead. An outstanding long distance try scored by Tyler Heelas on the back of an excellent line break from Cal Sanderson in midfield and well supported by Sam Pocklington. We were deserving of going in at the interval all square. With the try line beckoning for Lewis Minikin, a try under the post with no covering defenders in sight, Lewis uncharacteristically dropped the ball cold meant we went in at 12 - 5 Sedgley Park. With a Squad of 30 players, Sedgley emptied their bench in the second stanza and put a little more pressure on us at the breakdown. It paid them dividends and resulted in a couple of soft turnovers resulting in a penalty, this in turn gave them good field position turned into a couple of driving maul tries.

Aspects of our play that functioned well for us were our Lineout out detail with an 85% return on quality ball. We were also dominant at scrum time in the first half this giving our backs a solid platform to play off.

Defensively we were well connected and our systems in defence were working very well. The officials were very consistent on the new tackle height laws and refereed that part of the game very well.

Overall it was a more than useful exercise which enabled us to get a good look at several new combinations with a few players playing in new positions. Alfie Celella showed his versatility stepping in at 10 with the absence of Ben Smith ( injured) and Charlie Kirk on the road to Wembley. This enabled a few fringe players some good game time against a top team, which I’m sure will put us in good stead for our next pre season fixture vs Huddersfield. Our supporters, sponsors and members will have an opportunity to meet our more established players as well as our new recruits and the young guns within our squad.

Save the date in your diary, it will be great to see you all down at Brantingham Park for what I’m sure will be an improved performance against a dogged and physical side in Huddersfield RUFC.