SEDGLEY Park’s unbeaten start to the National Two North campaign continued with an 18-10 home victory over Hull Ionians.

Coach Steve Hazzelby admitted it was the team’s toughest test to date and was pleased they came through to keep pace with leaders Fylde going into a blank weekend.

Hazzelby said: “They had started their season well with good wins against top teams Rotherham and Wharfedale and only lost narrowly the week before to Fylde in the last kick of the game.

“So this was the hardest challenge for us so far and we knew nothing but a top performance was needed if we were to keep our unbeaten run.

“We had prepared well in training, spirits were high and everyone was up for the challenge.

“And we came through with a win. Hull would have been very disappointed with not coming away with at least a losing bonus point, which they probably deserved.

“But all credit to our players who have now gone unbeaten in their first five games, and are just two points behind leaders Fylde.”

Sedgley started well at Park Avenue with a solid scrum set-piece and accurate lineout which gave them the platform to launch their attacking options and test the Hull defences.

The hosts’ first score came after 14 minutes for centre Oli Glasse, who gathered a great chip ahead from winger Rhys Henderson and touched down in the right-hand corner. Steve Collins added the difficult conversion and the Tigers were 7-0 up and playing some lovely rugby.

Their second score came for Henderson, who latched on to a great offload from number eight Tom Ailes to race 45 metres and touch down in the right hand corner.

Hull responded with a good try of their own after some powerful runs by their forwards in midfield to reduce the lead to 12-7.

Sedgley were then awarded a penalty right on the half-time whistle, which Collins converted to make it 15-7 at the interval.

The home side probably should have scored more points in the first half on possession and the number of line breaks they created.

But they also gave away a number of unnecessary penalties which enabled Hull to relieve pressure and gain territory.

The second half started well for the away team with a penalty which reduced the arrears to 15-10 and their tails were up.

They took the play to the Tigers at every opportunity and it was only the hosts’ resolute defence which kept them out. Time after time they launched powerful attacks but were unable to break Sedgley down.

The Tigers did have a few chances to increase the lead but were not accurate enough in their execution.

The points were sealed when they were awarded a penalty in the last play of the game which Collins converted to give them a four-point win.

After the blank weekend, Sedgley return to league action with a long trip to Blaydon in the North East on October 15.