SEDGLEY Park were left to count the cost of a bruising victory over Macclesfield at the weekend.

While the Tigers moved up to fifth place in National Two North following the 35-15 home win, they finished the match without Ashley Platt-Hughes, who scored two of their five tries on the day.

Platt-Hughes limped off with a hamstring strain that will keep him out for a number of weeks, compounding an already lengthy injury list.

“We are currently missing 10 players who we would consider to be in the first-team squad,” said general manager Geoff Roberts.

“Ashley’s injury came at the end of a bad week for us after losing Max Ashcroft , our number one (loose-head prop), in training on Tuesday to what looked like a ruptured Achilles.

“It now looks like the problem is possibly a bit higher up in his calf, but even so he will still face up to 12 weeks out, much longer if it does turn out to be his Achilles.

“Our big concern is in the front row as these are specialist positions.

“You have to go into any game with two prop forwards and a hooker in reserve. At this moment in time, if we were to pick up another injury in that area then we would have to look at recruiting.”

Despite operating with a threadbare squad, Sedgley were always in control against a Macclesfield side struggling after last season’s relegation from National One.

Strong running set up tries from Andy Riley, Platt-Hughes and impressive winger Jamie Harrison in the first half as Sedgley went in 21-10 up. Platt-Hughes added his second straight after the break before forward Danny Maher touched down. Steve Collins was also on top form with the boot, kicking all five conversion.