CALDY 2nd XV 9
SEDGLEY PARK 2nd XV 27

Bateman BMW Premiership

SEDGLEY faced a difficult away match against Caldy, whose game plan was based on a heavy pack and a kicking number 10.

The lighter Sedgley pack was often pushed backwards at the scrum but Number 8 Rob Leigh worked manfully at its base to secure reasonable ball.

However, in the line out, with Andrew Clegg and Matt Smith to the fore, the Sedgley forwards came out on top and often stole the Caldy throw in.

Caldy’s kicking game floundered because the Sedgley backs were alert and never lost their concentration. Also full back Phil Largan constantly made considerable yardage when running the ball out of his 22 and so repeatedly turned defence into attack.

The game started with a fine break by centre Tom Albinson, who created an opening for winger Henry Monsell to run strongly and force Caldy to concede a five-metre scrum. Unfortunately Sedgley’s handling let them down and a penalty to Caldy relieved the pressure.

After Caldy missed one penalty kick at goal, they didn’t fail with their second attempt a few minutes later. So after 15 minutes they led 3-0.

Sedgley immediately hit back when Caldy dropped the ball from the re-start and from the resulting scrum Albinson made the opening for Monsell to score a try.

Dominic Kohler converted to put Sedgley in the lead 3-7.

Sedgley dominated the rest of the first half but poor ball retention meant they couldn’t make real headway.

Five minutes before half-time that pressure did eventually tell when, after quick ball from a ruck, a long pass from Kohler put flanker Chris Leader in at the corner, with Köhler’s terrific conversion resulting in Sedgley leading 3-14 at half time.

Early in the second half Albinson, with a magician’s sleight of hand, conjured up an opening for winger Danny Harrison to score a fine try in the corner and so stretch Sedgley’s lead to 3-19.

However, with two successful penalty kicks in quick succession, Caldy narrowed the gap to 9-19.  After 25 minutes Köhler’s penalty kick extended Sedgley’s lead to 9-22.

For the rest of the game Caldy were camped in the Sedgley half, but resolute defence by the whole of the Sedgley team kept them out.

Sedgley showed their class in the last minute when, after a fine run by replacement winger Obi Ebizie down the right wing, the ball was skilfully switched to the opposite wing for Monsell to score a great try in the corner.

That made the final score 9-27 and gave Sedgley a well deserved win.