Driffield 15 - Sedgley Park 22 AN impressive Park booked their place in the next round of the Tetley Bitter Cup (North) with a fine display of controlled rugby.

They crossed The Pennines in good heart but knew they would face tough opposition and so it came as no surprise when, after retaining early possession, the danger cones were suddenly hoisted.

The home side took the ball, broke away at pace and it took a good chase and tackle from flanker Stuart Jarrod to prevent a runaway try.

Back came Park to take possession again and as they exerted pressure Jon Duncan got the ball from the base of the scrum and went over for a try. Despite kicking into the strong wind, Rob Moon obliged with the conversion.

A penalty goal from the home side reduced the deficit but then a beautifully timed run from full back Mike Wilcock paved the way for Damien Smythe to stroll over in the corner. But unfortunately the Sedgley left winger bounced the ball and the try was disallowed.

Five minutes before the break the home side cashed in on their good fortune by taking the lead with a fine backs try but they were to rue the missing of a an easy conversion. Sedgley defended grimly as Driffield pressed forward in the closing stages of the half but they turned the tables on the resumption with Moon kicking a penalty to get the visitors in front once more.

The lead was extended when right wing Paul Morris burst through the centre for a try at the posts and Moon's conversion made it 17-8.

A dogged Driffield refused to lie down and a truly superb team try from the Yorkshiremen, which was converted, reduced the Park lead to just two points with 25 minutes still to play.

Sedgley then took control and with the wind at their backs they were never troubled again, the clinching try coming after Christian Radacanu's line-out leap had paved the way for hooker Steve Byford to cross the line.

The line-out had been superb throughout the game but the scrummaging will have provided something for Park's coaching staff to think about as the side prepares for tomorrow's match at Sandal.

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