GEOFF Roberts praised his Sedgley Park side after a first-half blitz secured a thumping 45-0 victory at home to Chester last Saturday.

The Tigers’ team manager admitted the quickfire start that saw his side score three tries inside the first 10 minutes was unexpected.

But he was not complaining after seeing Jamie Harrison. Andy Riley and Ashley Platt-Hughes cross the line.

And the Tigers continued in the same vein with another three tries before half time, two more for Platt-Hughes to complete his hat-trick and one for Danny Maher.

With five successful conversions kicked by Steve Collins, the score was 40-0 for the hosts at the midway point.

They eased off in the second period with just one more try – to Tom Coe – adding to the points tally.

But it was another impressive display and one which lifted the Tigers up to second in the National Two North table after defeats elsewhere for Stourbridge and Hinckley.

Sedgley now sit second, eight points behind leaders Sale FC.

Roberts told the Bury Times: “We blew them away right from the start.

“It was unbelievable to watch and I certainly didn’t expect it.

“We go into every game confident but I knew Chester were not a bad side so to hit them with three tries inside 10 minutes was incredible.

“They just couldn’t live with us.

“We used quick hands to get the ball out wide and use pace there and they were all good tries in that first half.

“Ashley Platt-Hughes got a hat-trick which was pleasing for him as well.

“After the amount of rain we had the previous night, the pitch was already heavy and then when it started again at half time, it slowed the game down.

“We only scored one try afterwards but had already done enough for the win.

“The conditions deteriorated but we still defended well.

“We had a few niggles so made some changes to avoid taking any risks.”

Roberts’ side are at home at Park Lane again on Saturday when they host Otley at the earlier kick off time of 2pm – 30 minutes before the normal start time.

And the boss will hope for another victory to cement second spot, though he is not taking the opposition lightly.

Roberts added: “It was unexpected to end the day in second spot if I’m being honest.

“Stourbridge lost to Sale but had a man sent off early so that would not have helped their cause.

“The big shock was Hinckley losing at home against Otley.

“That is a result that should focus our lads’ minds ahead of this weekend, knowing we cannot take anything for granted.”