Moor power tells against plucky Sedge

ODSAL Sedbergh's Pennine League campaign got off to a disappointing start, although they were facing difficult opponents.

Birkenshaw unexpectedly withdrew from the scheduled Championship One Division derby at the 11th hour but Dewsbury Moor stepped in to visit Gary Priestley's side.

Sedge quickly had the visitors under pressure but, despite being camped on the Dewsbury line, the home side were unable to make it count, mistakes thwarting their attempts to cross the whitewash.

That inability to score was to prove costly as Dewsbury gained a foothold in the game and responded with some classy attacks.

It came as no surprise when the increasing pressure paid off as a short ball close to the line allowed their prop to crash over.

Moor then extended their lead with three further tries, giving them a commanding half-time advantage.

But Priestley fired up the hosts at the break and they came out with all guns blazing to give Dewsbury a scare.

Loose forward Kain McEwan got Sedge off the mark when he followed up his own kick to collect and touch down, with second-rower Luke Dawson adding the conversion.

Minutes later, Sedge were over again as McEwan's strong run split the visitors' defence wide open and he outpaced a number of would be tacklers to dive over.

Dawson was on target once more with the conversion but the fightback proved short-lived as the Dewsbury's outfit's superior power began to tell.

Despite big defensive efforts from Sedge hooker Shaq Jones and centre Robert Priestley, who both worked tirelessly, Dewsbury ran out comfortable winners.

Priestley will now look to pick up his side before their trip to neighbours Batley Boys at the weekend.