BRISTOL SHOGUNS 62 SEDGLEY PARK RUFC 9: The scoreline may suggest a walkover, but for the first hour or so Sedgley proved a tough test for the championship favourites and it was only late on that the Shoguns were able to turn on the style.

Early Park pressure was rewarded with a series of penalties, one of which Blair Feeney slotted over from a wide angle to put Sedgley 0-3 in front on 12 minutes.

Bristol then thought they'd grabbed the lead when Luke Nabaro went over, but the try was disallowed for a double movement.

Sam Cox then touched down but again the try was rubbed out and Sedgley capitalised when left wing Richard Welding intercepted and set off for the posts, only to be hauled down by Marko Stanojevic few metres short of the line.

The home side finally finally got the breakthrough they wanted on 22 minutes, Rob Higgitt won turnover ball, Cox drove possession forward with Jason Hobson taking the move to within metres of the Sedgley line for Jim Brownrigg to pick up and dive over. Strange then converted to make it 7-3 to Bristol.

Then, on the half-hour, Stanojevic broke into the Tigers and slipped the ball to Ed Pearce who in turn fed Nabaro who touched down in the corner.

However, the referee ruled the final pass was forward and Bristol had to settle for a penalty for offside, which Strange kicked to make it 10-6.

On 39 minutes Bristol produced an impressive flowing move that ended with Sean Marsden claimed a floated pass to go over in the corner, which Strange's boot improved to increase the home sides lead to 17-6.

But Feeney finished the half with a third penalty to keep Sedgley in touch at 17-9.

Sedgley began the second half brightly, forcing Bristol onto the back foot, but despite the Bristol pack being reduced to six after Saul Nelson was sinbinned after taking out Feeney, chasing his low kick, the Tigers just couldn't make the pressure count, despite pressing from five metres out for a considerable period.

With the pressure reversed, Strange kicked an easy penalty in front of the Sedgley posts on 49 minutes to make it 20-9.

Ten minutes later Brownrigg galloped over for his second try and Strange added the two points to make it 27-9.

The bonus point was then guaranteed when Marsden rounded Ian Voortman to touch down and Strange added another conversion.

Pearce, Woodrow, Stanojevic and Brownrigg all added further touchdowns to complete the rout, but Sedgley played with a lot of pride and passion and even in this defeat can take a heart from their performance.

Now they have to rally themselves for this Saturday's trip to Cross Green and another tough away fixture at Otley.

JOHN KNOTT