BUILDING BEGINS
Written by Peter Collins   
Friday, 09 May 2008
Phil Jones
Phil Jones
FOUR players have already put pen to paper for next season, as Sedgley Tigers look to build a squad that will produce entertaining rugby and ensure National Division one survival – again!

Lock Glen Townson, hooker Jonny Roddam, linch-pin Phil Jones and former Scotland centre Andy Craig have all signed on the dotted line for another Park Lane campaign.

“Names will be announced as and when players put pen to paper,” said Tigers’ manager, Geoff Roberts.

Former England ‘A’ fly-half Jones was the club’s top points scorer last season with 225 – 35 conversions, 43 penalties, two drop goals and four tries. His tally also saw him finish the division’s fourth highest points scorer and third best kicker.

“We are delighted he’s back and in turn he’s keen to get a good pre-season under his belt as last time he underwent an operation and missed the first six weeks.

He’ll always attract interest form other clubs but he enjoys playing here and is happy to return.”

However, definitely out is backs coach Andy Northey:  “We are currently considering our options regarding a backs coach following Andy’s departure,” said Roberts.

“We would like to thank him for all his efforts over the past three seasons and wish him all the best for the future. As far as a replacement is concerned we are looking internally at one or two of the senior players.”

A sneak preview of next season’s fixtures sees the Tigers open with a home game against the Rotherham Titans on Saturday, August 30 – the team they beat to stay up! The fixture should also see an early return for former Tigers Jon Skurr and Chris Briers who recently joined the Titans.

The following week (Saturday, September 6) then sees the new season’s first derby when the Tigers visit Grove Park to take on promoted Manchester. London Welsh are then scheduled to visit Park Lane on Saturday, September 13, with the opening month rounded off with a trip to Nottingham.

These dates are as yet provisional and as soon as the confirmed fixture list is announced it will be published here.

 
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League One Table

Pos Team Pld Pts
1 Esher 22 100
2 London Scottish 24 95
3 Launceston 24 80
4 Tynedale 23 64
5 Wharfedale 23 68
6 Cambridge 23 68
7 Blaydon 22 62
8 Redruth 24 57
9 Newbury 23 54
10 Stourbridge 23 51
11 Blackheath 24 50
12 TIGERS 22 50
13 Cinderford 22 49
14 Otley 23 43
15 Nuneaton 23 22
16 Manchester 23 -2
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