Bateman BMW Premier League

October has descended into November, the clocks have gone back, but it was the old familiar routine at Moss Lane on Saturday.

I suspect both sides knew what was going to happen before a ball was kicked, which is a pity because unpredictability is an important element of sport, and trying to perform under pressure is one of the pleasures of playing.

With little pressure except their own pursuit of excellence, the Sedgley boys played in the relaxed 15-man style that has seen them pass 500 points in only 9 league matches. There is pace throughout the team, a nice blend of youth and experience – but mostly youth – and plenty of skill. The rugby they play is attractive to watch.

Seven tries were scored in the first half, many of them originating inside SP territory. Forwards and backs dovetailed nicely, both locks scored wide out on the wing, and of course the wingers also scored. If one had to pick out a ‘best try’, it would be the one scored by Andrew Clegg in the right corner after most of his team-mates had handled.

Captain and centre Sion O’Hare also took the direct route to the line for a couple of tries. The experience of O’Hare and of Paul Morris is important to the team. 39-0 at half-time.

LSH tried to slow things down but got little change out of a rather merciless referee, though thankfully he didn’t sin-bin any of them. After a short lull the tries flowed again. I  enjoyed the contrasting play of the wingers: Henry Monsall, who finished with three tries, balanced running, gliding through gaps; and little Obi Ebizie, quick feet, low to the ground, elusive.

The Champagne Moment of the second half was not Rich Senior’s try (wearing 10 but playing in the centre) but belonged to Matt Lamprey. He dispossessed a LSH forward just inside the SP half, ran through heavy traffic into the clear, and continued all the way to the posts.

This win moves Sedgley into second place, one point behind Fylde with a game in hand, and Fylde are next week’s opponents at Park Lane.

LSH pics in the gallery. Click here.