Rosslyn Park 33 – 19 Sedgley Park Tigers
Rosslyn Park put on a dominant display at Park Lane to secure a well-earned win against Sedgley Park. Although the hosts scored two late consolation tries, it was Park who made the most of their opportunities, as tries from Maurice Nwakor, Sam Kennaugh, George Orchard, Murray Redpath, and Benji Marfo secured a crucial win in National League One.
Sedgley looked to start the better of the two sides, but after some ill discipline Park kicked into the 22 and, following a smooth move from the lineout, Kennaugh offloaded to Orchard, who strided underneath the posts. Steff James added the extras 12 minutes in.
Things got better for the visitors only a minute later, when Sam Kennaugh was rewarded for his physical play, scoring one himself from close range after powering through a tackle, with James adding the extras once more.
Sedgley did then find a footing in the game and were knocking at Park’s door, but after the defence stood firm the visitors made it a 21–0 lead in the 31st minute. Another great set piece saw Nwakor rewarded with a try from close range.
However, Sedgley ensured this wouldn’t be a breeze for Park, and on the stroke of half-time they used the lineout to their advantage. After a couple of phases Adam Mallinson powered over to score, making it 21–7 as the sides went into the sheds.
The second half was a much tighter contest. Both sides conceded penalties and play swayed between the two halves of the pitch. Eventually, on 67 minutes, replacement scrum-half Redpath sniped from close range to extend the cushion once again.
Only seven minutes later the game was all but sealed when, after some clever defence in midfield, Tom Stanton picked up a loose ball which found its way to Marfo, who strided into the corner from 50 metres out to cement a 33–7 lead.
Sedgley then grabbed two late tries, Jack Ellam peeling off a maul in the corner before, in the 80th minute, a gap on halfway saw Rhys Henderson stride in again. However, it wasn’t enough, and Park can make the trip back to West London having bounced back from a tough string of results.
Rosslyn Park
Tries: Orchard (6’), Kennaugh (13’), Nwakor (32’), Redpath (67’), Marfo (74’)
Conversions: James (6’, 13’, 32’, 67’)
Penalties:
Yellow Cards:
Team: Nwakor, Fraine, Wade, Cleet, Gillanders, Orchard, King, Digby (C), Fenley, James, Marfo, Kennaugh, Stanton, Mehson, Smith
Replacements: Cameron, Cade, Screene, Redpath, Volley
Sedgley Park Tigers
Tries: Mallinson (39’), Ellam (78’), Henderson (80’)
Conversions: Glasse (39’, 80’)
Penalties:
Yellow Cards:
Team: Blanchard, Mallinson, Nonleh, Birtwell, James (C), Bennett, Bradley, Poole, Sturgess, Smith, Riley, Pope, Law, Henderson, Glasse
Replacements: Downham, Ellam, Rylance, Deans, Tansey
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