Sedgley Tigers closed their home National One campaign with a 47-29 victory over Plymouth Albion last Saturday - a first triumph against them.

It was also a special day for two of Tigers' senior players - hooker Danny Maher and flanker Mark Goodman - who were playing their last game for the club.

The hosts began well, playing with tempo and continuity building phases within Plymouth's '22' and were rewarded with a penalty after three minutes which fly-half Warren Seals converted.

This was followed up two minutes later with an interception try for England Under-20s winger, Alex Wills, converted by Seals.

Another penalty shortly after further extended the lead and the hosts were playing solid, controlled rugby building phase after phase. The patient build-up led to a second try for winger Wills, who went over in the left-hand corner.

Sedgley's set-piece play was excellent with a solid scrum and accurate lineouts looking to put pressure on the visitors' defence at every opportunity. A kick to the corner by centre Oli Glasse was gathered by full-back Andy Riley who touched down for their third try.

However, Plymouth are a good team who have played at this level for many years and they came back with two tries of their own to reduce the lead at half time.

The home side started the second half just the same as the first with good line-breaks from second row Connor James and flanker Lewis Bradley putting pressure on Plymouth in their 22. A penalty in the 46th minute saw replacement hooker Adam Mallinson go over for Tigers' fourth and bonus-point try after a powerful catch-and-drive from the forwards. Seals added the conversion and a third penalty from the same man further extended the lead in the 52nd minute.

Plymouth were now playing catch-up and a powerful forward drive saw them score their third try in the 60th minute, followed by a fourth and bonus-point score five minutes later.

They were right back in the game going into the last 15 minutes.

However a wonderful individual effort from number eight, Tom Ailes, saw him pick up from the base of the scrum and score a fifth try converted by Seals.

Plymouth hit back with their fifth try in the 70th minute but another catch-and-drive from the forwards saw hooker Maher score his last try for the Tigers - a fitting tribute to a wonderful player - as it ended with a 47-29 victory for the hosts.

The last game of the season is on April 27, when the Tigers visit Richmond.