SEDGLEY Tigers made the long trip to Plymouth Albion last Saturday but came away empty handed as their losing run against the Devon outfit continued.

The Tigers had lost all eight previous encounters against their old rivals and that sequenced stretched to nine games in a match played in conditions that made it extremely difficult to play open rugby with a strong wind blowing down the heavy pitch and driving rain.

Sedgley kicked off playing with the elements looking to build a score in this first half but it wasn’t until the 26th minute that they got a score on the board with a penalty from fly half Warren Seales.

However a penalty awarded to the home side saw them kick to the corner from which their big forwards drove over for their first converted try taking a 7-3 lead going into the last ten minutes of the half.

Tigers had the chance to hit back with another penalty but missed the kick and a great line break by captain Matt Riley saw the ball spilled in the tackle which gave Plymouth the chance to relieve the pressure.

Sedgley continue to create chances and opportunities to put points on the board but they did not capitalise on them. Plymouth then got another penalty catch and drive try just before the break met they went went in to half time 14-3 up.

It was a disappointing half for Tigers as they had plenty of possession and opportunities to build a lead but gave away too many penalties which allowed the home side to get out of their half.

To make matters worse, Sedgley lost number eight, Tom Ailes, to a yellow card which meant that they would be down to 14 men for the first 10 minutes of the second half.

The second half saw Tigers play into driving rain and a strong wind which made it extremely difficult to get out of their own half. Another penalty for the home side on 46 minutes saw them extend the lead to 17-3

Every opportunity Tigers had they tried to move the ball and put pressure on their defences but the conditions made it almost impossible.

But in fairness to Plymouth, they played the conditions well and another penalty saw them go for the corner which resulted in another catch and drive for their forwards and another try to make it 22-3 and keep their unbeaten home record intact.

“This was a disappointing performance as we had chances in the first half to build a score but did not take them,” said coach Steve Hazzelby.

“On a positive our set piece play was excellent with a strong scrum and accurate lineouts and our defence sets were powerful especially on our own try line denying Plymouth the bonus point.

“The overall effort from the whole squad was immense and cannot be questioned but we need to take our chances when they occur especially in difficult conditions.

On Saturday, Tigers host Birmingham Mosley - a team they beat at the start of the season so Hazzelby is looking for a big reaction and a solid performance going in to the Christmas break.