COACH Geoff Roberts believes Sedgley Tigers 'got away with it' after managing to stay top of the league despite their first defeat of the season.

The Park Lane outfit's unbeaten start was ended when the leaders lost 18-13 at new boys Sandal on Saturday.

But despite the defeat, the Tigers remain a point clear at the top of National League Division Two North, after picking up a losing bonus point.

Relieved Roberts was pleased his side had a big enough lead to keep them at the summit.

"The bubble has burst a bit. But sometimes that can help you refocus," he told The Guide.

"We got away with the loss because of the five-point cushion we had at the top going into the game.

"It just shows you the importance of grabbing that one bonus point. It keeps us up there."

Ben Black's two-week loan move to Championship leaders Leeds Carnegie left the Tigers short of tight-head props with Harri Greville unavailable. And with number 10 Steve Collins also missing, Sedgley had to reshuffle their pack.

"Steve was a big loss to us as he's like the general of play.

"Ben had the chance of playing at a higher level because Leeds Carnegie have got a few problems in their front row."

A fourth minute penalty from Rhodri Carlton-Jones gave the Tigers a 3-0 lead but Sandal's Samuel Whittingham scored the first try of the game to give them a 5-3 advantage.

Matt Riley hit back with an unconverted effort for the Tigers on 12 minutes but captain Gregory Wood dropped a goal on 20 minutes to draw Sandal level at 8-8. Mark Pease scored a penalty to give the hosts a 11-8 lead at the break.

An unconverted try from captain Juan Crous on 44 minutes eased the Tigers back in front at 13-11 but Simon Frewin's try, which was converted by Pease, with 20 minutes remaining proved to be the winner for Sandal.

The newcomers have the best defensive record in the league and Roberts knew it would be a tough game on what he described as an 'unusual pitch'.

"It was a game of outstanding defences and neither team gave the other any room to operate," he said.

"Sandal are very strong at home and we had to cope with their ground which has a considerable slope.

"It was a tough first half. We didn't have a lot of the ball but we brightened up in the second, applied a lot pressure and finished very strongly."

The Tigers entertain seventh-placed Harrogate on Saturday.