Sedge's go-forward proves too much for Warriors

THE tried and tested maxim that forwards win knock-out matches was superbly executed by a rampant Odsal Sedbergh outfit in the opening round of the Jack Senior Memorial Bradford Cup against Wibsey Warriors at Northfield Road.

Wibsey quickly gained a foothold in the Sedge red zone and looked to be on the way for the opening score, only for stand-off Steve Redmond to fire a pass into touch with the try-line begging.

Odsal quickly worked the ball out wide from the resulting scrum to packman Ben Cousins, who drew the cover perfectly to send centre Rob Priestley on a length-of-the-field sprint to the uprights, leaving full back Shaun Flynn to add the extras.

The Warriors quickly responded and only desperate defence saw centre Chris Rodgers bundled into touch at the flag. But the wily Flynn joined the line and quickly played the ball to create the chance for scrum half Scott Smith to scamper to the chalk for another converted effort.

The holders were clearly behind the eight ball at 12-0 down but they revived their hopes in fine style when a cut-out pass enabled second-row forward Danny McDonald to dive over, with Redmond making sure of maximum reward.

Sedge restored their 12-point lead when they changed the point of direction to full effect. Prop forward Steve Barnes used all his brute strength to crash in at the side of the sticks, leaving Flynn with a simple kick.

The Warriors were left fuming when wingman Mike Batty had a touchdown in the corner disallowed bang on the interval whistle, which ensured the visitors the luxury of keeping their 18-6 advantage.

The second half was a war of attrition, with the Warriors camped in the Sedge 20-metre zone for what seemed an eternity.

With an abundance of possession, it seemed inevitable that Wibsey would reduce the total but the visitors' rearguard was in belligerent mood and held firm.

The astute kicking game of substitute forward Elliot Cousins then breached the Wibsey barricade and, when the ball rebounded off a defender, Sedge prop James Sharp snapped up the chance to power over the whitewash.

Warriors full back Jimmy Rodgers was an inspiration as last man but tired home legs gave way when stand-off Paul Bottomley sold a defence-splitting dummy to send wingman Sam Greenwood over near the flag. Flynn landed his fifth conversion to end the tie.