The two teams met a couple of months ago at Broughton Park (see previous report) and with the BP team missing a front row, the game was played with uncontested scrums - a huge benefit to a team full of youthful, exuberant backs such as BP and a nightmare for an SP team made up mainly of forwards. We were hoping that the return fixture at Park Lane would be a fairer fight but no such luck. Once again (for at least the 8th time this season I'm told), BP fielded a side without a front row and the game was again played to their expansive style.

The day started off brightly with plenty of Tigers turning out for the games - with the 1st XV, 3rd XV and 4th XV all playing at home, there was no great shortage of personnel. The 3rd XV had lost a number of players and in turn recruited a number from the 4's but nevertheless, we turned out with a full team along with two replacements, an almost unheard of feat and thanks must go to all players for turning out. Special thanks must go to a number of colts who chipped in (Brad & Todd are two of several) and also to a full back making his big return to the pitches in the form of Chris Livesey. This fixture also saw the return of Alex Druce (following injury) and was watched but missed by hooker and 4th XV stalwart, Jason Routh who will be sorely missed whilst recovering from an ankle injury.

The game was kicked off by Tigers fly half Tony Jones at 14:30 under the watchful eye of referee and SP Director of Elite Rugby, Steve Harrison (sporting some dashing pink shorts). From the first kick and subsequent darting run by the BP side, it was obvious that the BP game plan was to run the ball out wide and tire the Tigers. As anticipated, the younger side quickly took the upper hand and scored a number of tries early in the fixture. Despite tackling well and retaining a good deal of ball, the Tigers fell foul of the laws at times and gifted Broughton possession, a gift they gladly accepted and turned to points.

Towards the end of the first half, the Sedgley boys had cottoned onto the fact that BP couldn't score if they didn't have the ball and the forwards set to work, picking, driving and rucking their way up the pitch. The smaller framed and younger Broughton Park team could not handle the aggressive style of play and territory was gained quickly. The Tigers ended the first half entrenched in the BP 22 and only immensely determined defence from the Broughton Park lads prevented a score. As the half time whistle blew, the boys knew it would be a tough second half but had the game plan in mind to attack and drive their way up the pitch. The end of the first half also ushered in various changes including the substitution of the aforementioned returning full-back although we do hope to see him on the pitches again before long.

The second half kicked off and the Tigers were on all out attack, keeping the ball close and recycling their way up the pitch with forwards and backs doing their part for the cause. In a frenzied 15 minute stint, the Tigers were well and truly dominant, the forwards crashing through the BP defence time and time again. It was during this period that the Tigers incurred a friendly-fire injury - as Ian Aldred was cleared out of a ruck, Tony Jones was driving in and and the two clashed heads with Tony walking away unscathed and Ian coming away doing a Bambi on Ice impression. All joking aside, the incident was serious and Ian was taken to hospital by ambulance to be checked over and was later discharged with a headache....

The game restarted following the injury and again the Tigers fought hard but any lost possession was dealt with swiftly and severely as the fleet-footed BP side ran in repeatedly to score. When the man in the salmon shorts blew the final whistle, Broughton Park had won by 54 points to nil leaving the Tigers languishing at 12th in the league. However bad this scoreline sounds, the boys played well and deserved to score. Had the game been played with contested scrummaging and both sides on an even keel, perhaps the scoreline would have been different but we cannot dwell on the shoulda/woulda/coulda's. What we can do is prepare for our next challenge when Marple 3rd XV come to visit Park Lane next Saturday. Training as ever is on Tuesday night at 19:15. Make sure that you turn up and together we can hopefully make the little improvements required to make a big difference on Saturday afternoons and upon the next charge, cry 'God for Harry, England, and Sedgley Park!'