SEDGLEY Park general manager Geoff Roberts says his side deserve credit for their efforts despite suffering a shock National Two North defeat at lowly Leicester Lions last weekend.

The Tigers lost 32-14 as the raft of early-season injuries finally caught up with their patched-up side in the east Midlands.

But with other results also going their way, Sedgley remain third in the table and Roberts is confident when they start to get back anywhere near to full strength, the Whitefield-based outfit can again challenge for promotion this season.

He said: “Naturally it was disappointing to lose at the weekend but we have to look at the bigger picture and, with the amount of injuries we have had at the start of the season, I think the lads who have played have been a credit to the club.

“Looking at the overall situation, we have had four away games and just two at home and still sit third.

“I have to admit, I was surprised to see us where we are but other results went for us as well.

“Like I said, the lads have done a great job considering the circumstances.

“I suppose the injuries just caught up with us at the weekend.

“But it’s still early in the season and over the next few weeks we should be getting some senior players back in the fold.

“At this point in the season, it is so tight and one loss can massively change your position in the table so we are pleased to still be up there in third.

“We know we usually have a strong second half of the season so if we can stay in the mix, and hopefully get a win this weekend at home to Sheffield Tigers, then we can challenge again this year.”

The Tigers headed to Leicester in good spirits after three successive victories.

And despite some square pegs in round holes, with hookers in the back row and back-rowers also out of position in the second row, they did well in the first half, responding to going behind with two tries from Oliver Glasse and Tom Bedlow, both converted by kicker Steve Collins.

They led 14-7 at half time, but once the hosts turned the game around after the break, they went on to deny the Tigers any more points as they secured their first league win of the campaign.

But Roberts remained positive post-match and added: “We had a patched-up team but funnily enough, despite being a bit lightweight, we demolished them in the scrum.

“But individually in loose play we made mistakes.

“We were unable to drive them back and could not get any momentum.

“We were in the lead at the break but once they sensed they could get that first win, they took their chance.

“Even then, all of their tries came from turnovers.

“We just have to refocus and keep our belief for what I expect will be an expansive game against Sheffield on Saturday.

“We are on home turf and hopefully can bounce back.”