Sedgley send out clear title warning
THE last time these two sides met, Sedgley brought to an end Ionians’ unbeaten home record, although the hosts still went on to become league champions whilst the Tigers finished third.
But, on this showing, it looks as if Sedgley could go all the way.
The Tigers made their intentions clear from the start when an early lineout was mauled over the line, with Matt Gallagher providing the touchdown after five minutes.
Sedgley continued to hold sway, and it took Ionians 17 minutes to make an attacking contribution, with centre Britton breaking clear before Joe Martin and George Mewburn lent support. Tigers stopped Ionians just short of the line and cleared to touch.
Ionians were clearly lifted by the venture.
Jack Townend kicked Ionians into good field position, enabling Sam Wilson to have a dart for the line. Full-back Riley bundled him into touch and Tigers took the lineout. Collins, making a rare mistake, failed to find touch and Townend returned the ball.
Tigers carried the ball into touch and, from the resulting line, Ionians moved the ball to Will Burden who flighted an exquisite pass to Britton to scyth his way through a flat-footed defence to score. Burden converted to put Ionians 7-5 in front.
The hosts did little to help their cause with a frustrating habit of conceding possession, and Tigers made them pay when they snatched back the lead right on half-time, with persistent attack creating a gap for John Blanchard to stroll over from close range.
Sedgley upped the tempo in the second half, as Collins added a drop goal within a minute of the restart.
They then cut loose to score, with Oliver Glasse providing the finish to a free-flowing move that was a joy to behold.
Ionians showed commendable resilience to the pressure the Tigers were exerting and worked their way to the line but were unable to fashion anything against a well-organised and resolute defence.
Collins added a further three points with a penalty, and it looked as if the Tigers may run away with things.
But Ionians’ Mewburn gathered a loose ball and galloped away 30 yards to score.
The Hull side then left the best until last, as a wonderful move resulted in a try for James Sanderson and Ionians were within touching distance.
Yet up stepped Collins with another drop goal to dampen the home side’s enthusiasm.
The Tigers could have denied Ionians a point at the death, but instead of adding a simple three points elected to kick to the corner, in search of the bonus point try.
Ionians stole the ball and put it into touch to end a thoroughly entertaining game.