When the sun shines Dore Moor is spectacular and so it was for the battle of the Tigers; the same fixture last year going the way of the home team. Sedge in their black away kit looked to be entering a new era with no Juan Crous or Matt Riley in their squad. New coach Matt Bebbington selecting 4 new recruits in the starting line.
Sheffield Tigers with Broadley and Swatkins in their back line had added a new high profile wing in Curtis Wilson. The assembled crowd high in expectation that the home team could break down the visitors with their backs.
What transpired was a Sedge pack that dominated the set piece, came to terms with the new laws and executed a defence that Messrs Edwards & Farrell would have been proud.
New hooker Maher was on hand to score two out of Sedge's first 3 tries; coming from perfectly executed lineouts. Bedlow's try came from quick ball at a scrum and a perfect line through the home team's defence.
Unfortunately the first half was extended after Sedge centre Richard Wainwright suffered a serious head injury, both clubs' medical teams and the ambulance service highly professional and timely. Steve Collins coming off the bench and slotting in at 10.
The home crowd expected a response as the second half commenced and the slope was in their favour. Sedge have appeared to have had an Achilles heel at re-starts in previous seasons but with Birtwell, Needham and Chapman safely taking everything thrown at them, Sedge resumed as they had in the first 40 min; powerful defence, strong set piece and a confidence to attack Sheffield Tigers back line
Inventive play by McShane and Collins created 3 tries in 15 minutes for fullback Andy Riley and wingers Lowthion and Harrison - Collins taking the kicks
The home team kept the belief in their back line and Wilson looks to be a handful who will add tries. They kept going until the 83 minutes when Graham went over in the corner.
The Sedge pack's cohesion and dominance the highlight of the game.
