Disappointing reverse for 2nds

The first 20 minutes proved to be stalemate with Fleet dominating possession but unable to score with some wrong options taken.
After 25 mins Sedgeley scored a breakaway try following a series of missed tackles by the home side. Fleet responded well and secured good line-out ball which allowed scrum half Craig Doherty to feed Mike Jackson who was held up just short of the line. Sadly, however, just before half time, the Sedgeley winger scored their second try against the run of play to give a half-time score of 0-12

5 mins into the second half and the same player stepped over for an easy try which was unconverted but the referee soon awarded the visitors a penalty which was converted to make it 0-20. The Fleet pack worked hard with Mark Evans, Henry Turner and Andy Holme prominent in loose play with Kev Christian always looking to take the ball forward. Craig Doherty was always looking threatening and tried to put Steve Buzza over from short range but the defence held firm. Doherty made another sniping break who fed to centre Zack Coultas who off-loaded to Ricky Newton for a well-deserved score. 2 minutes later after a strong drive from Mark Evans Newton scored his 2nd try and it appeared to be game on. Fleet made some substitutions with Tom Evans replacing Michael Dewhirst and Chris Lyons replacing Steve Buzza at prop. Evans made an immediate impact taking the game to the opposition but unfortunately they broke out of defence against the run of play and their no.11 stepped over for his 3rd try. Fleet rallied well and after a series of penalties Craig Doherty raced through to score a well-deserved try to bring it back to 27-17 with Evans’s conversion. More pressure from Fleet could not add more points and the visitors were delighted with their victory.
Wingers Aidan Copeland, Mike Jackson and Jack Crompton always looked dangerous but didn’t see enough of the ball.

Much to think about for the players and coaches before the next game.

Report by Ian Cameron