SEDGLEY Park’s challenge at the top of National League Two North is faltering after their third straight defeat, in a miserable day at Luctonians.

Conditions in Leominster were atrocious with the visitors struggling to understand how the game went ahead.

Luctonians’ first-team pitch was unplayable with the game switched to the heavily-bogged second XV pitch.

The hosts capitalised on poor defence to go ahead with a converted try after four minutes. Sedgley hit back with a penalty from Steve Collins eight minutes later and went ahead with a well-taken try for young hooker Matt Gallagher, Collins converting for a 10-7 lead.

But, playing with a strong wind at their backs, the Tiigers’ only other score was another penalty for Collins on 39 minutes to make the half-time score 13-7.

The second half was always going to be difficult defending such a slender lead while playing into a gale-force wind and once Luctonians moved a point ahead with a penalty try eight minutes after the restart it was always unlikely Sedgley could retaliate, especially once Collins was yellow-carded.

The Tigers did create chances to score a number of times when they managed to get close to the try line but strong defence kept them out and the visitors were scoreless throughout the half.

At the other end, Luctonians got another try and a penalty to eventually win the game 22-13, a very disappointing result for the Tigers to add to back-to-back defeats to Caldy.

“Perhaps we needed to get more points on the board in the first half when we were playing with the wind,” said head coach Steve Hazzelby.

“Also, we need to make better decisions when playing in these conditions and be patient and look after possession.

“Despite this, the last three losses does not make us a poor team. We have to review our recent performances, train well and be positive.”

The Tigers host Hull this Saturday (2.30pm kick off).