First-half blitz helps clinical Sedgley Park see off sorry Sheffield

SEDGLEY Park turned in a dominant first-half performance to set the platform for a comfortable win at Sheffield on Saturday afternoon.

In freezing conditions, the visitors started on the front foot and went ahead after seven minutes as Steve Collins kicked a penalty to make it 3-0.

It was to be a stunning performance from fly-half Collins who then bagged a try on 18 minutes.

He then added the extras to his try as the visitors stretched their lead to a commanding 10 points.

The visitors made sure of a bruising 17-0 half-time lead when Callum McShane went over on 37 minutes. Collins tagged on the extras in a brutal firsthalf for the home team.

Despite a tough opening 40 minutes, Sheffield were able to give themselves an early confidence boost in the second period. Gareth Burns was able to crash his way over on 42 minutes with Steve Depledge easily converting to make it 17-7.

But, on 54 minutes, Sedgley Park prop Nathan Rushton was able to barrel his way over with Collins yet again successful with the boot, making it 24-7 going into the final quarter of the match.

The Tigers were absolutely flying and were able to secure a bonus point on 61 minutes as James Harrison went in for an easy try.

Collins continued to show why he’s been so good this season and was faultless with the boot once more to all-but seal the triumph with just under 20 minutes to play.

It might have been a tough afternoon for the hosts but there was still time late on for Sheffield to grab a consolation.

Dan Rylance was able to

snipe his way over the line with only moments left in the contest.

It was then up to fly-half Depledge to easily convert and leave the final score at 31-14 to Sedgley Park.