Academy Edge Quarter Final!

Match Report by Matthew Miles

A very spirited performance by Sedgley belied the fact that they spent the league season two divisions below Manchester in what proved to be a highly competitive cup tie.

Manchester were stripped of the services of two key players in the form of H and Will but they carried the fight to the home team in the early stages. After 13 minutes the visitors made the breakthrough. Jake made the initial break before the ball was recycled for Ryan to score comfortably in the corner.

However, not for the last time, Sedgley struck back with a score of their own with a try after concerted pressure within the Manchester 22. 5-5 after 20 minutes. Game on!

Things took a turn for the worse shortly after when Luke succumbed to the recurrence of a shoulder injury. With Manchester bereft of a recognised fly half (or another half back for that matter), Noah stepped forward to fill the number 10 ‘jersey’ and only 5 minutes later he illustrated what a worthy replacement he would be. Receiving the ball just inside the Sedgley half, Noah broke through on a fine run only to be held short of the home team’s try line. With the ball quickly recycled to Woody, the ball found it’s way back to Noah who dabbed down to give Manchester the lead. Woody then converted to make it 5-12 after 28 minutes.

3 minutes before the break Woody was amongst the points again, scoring Manchester’s third try in the face of some hapless Sedgley defending.

5-17 at half time.

The second period began with renewed hope for the home team. An the fortieth minute Sedgley struck back when their direct approach resulted in a try. However, Manch struck back in what was proving to be an end to end contest. Some concerted pressure ended with the home team being awarded a line out deep in their own 22. A fantastic steal then saw the ball end up in the grateful hands of Finchy who sneaked over for the try. 10-22 and the Academy now in control.

The Tigers were still refusing to lie down though as they responded with another try after 52 minutes to make the score 17-22 after the extras were added by their kicker.

The tie was then sealed with a mere 5 minutes on the clock. Phase after phase deep in the Sedgley 22 saw the ball pass through virtually every Manchester pair of hands until space was created out wide for Yoggie to power over. 17-27, the final points of the match and a moment that seemed a little too much for a member of the Sedgley coaching team who introduced us all to some very colourful local dialect!

Credit to Sedgley who always get themselves up for matches against our boys. Whilst this match didn’t see Manchester hitting full stride, injuries to 3 of our best players gave further proof of just how consistently reliable EVERY member of the squad is. A quick mention also must go to Toby who, in the absence of Will at full back, put in a superb counter attacking performance.

Manch now march on to a Semi Final against Liverpool St Helens.