Sedgley Tigers kicked off the new National One season in style with a 65-24 home win against newly-promoted Esher last weekend.

The South London visitors had won their league to gain promotion convincingly so Tigers knew it would be a difficult opener.

But, on what was a poignant day for the club in memory of former chairman and president David H Smith who had served the club for more than 50 years and died this summer, they put on a show.

Coach Steve Hazzelby said: “We started strongly, putting pressure on the visitors in their half straight away.

“This was one of the best performances the players have put in for a number of seasons with a solid squad performance.

“It is hard to pick out individuals, but number eight Tom Ailes was immense in his carries, fly-half Warren Seals converted nine out of 11 kicks, hooker Ben Gregory had a brilliant first game and young second row Will Connor was given man of the match by Esher.”

It took just three minutes to break the deadlock, winger Rhys Henderson touching down and Seals adding the conversion to make it 7-0.

A Penalty from Seals three minutes later further extended the lead, but a sharp line break from Esher put them back in the game at 10-7 after 10 minutes.

They then went into the lead 14-10 with a well-worked catch-and- drive try from their forwards after the hosts had given a penalty away.

But a second Tigers penalty from Seals put them within one point with 15 minutes to go.

Esher further extended their lead with a penalty on 30 minutes, but a great try for skipper Bob Birtwell after a patient build-up and multiple phases saw Sedgley go into the break 20-17 up.

It was Esher who scored first in the second half with another well-worked line break to take a24-20 lead, but the response from the Tigers was unbelievable as they went on to score another seven tries.

The first, and their third, came from Ailes who picked up from the base of the scrum to dive over. Seals added the conversion to make it 27-24.

Another great passage of play, building phase after phase, saw flanker Lewis Bradley score the hosts’ fourth and bonus-point try to further extend the lead, and eight minutes later a strong surge from Henderson saw him go through two tackles to score his second.

This was followed up with a brace of tries from flying full-back Andy Riley - all converted by Seals to put Tigers into a commanding 55-24 lead with 10 minutes to go.

Another two fine tries from debut winger Albert Bradshaw in the last five minutes saw the Tigers finish with a big bonus-point win and an early spot at the top of the league.

This Saturday they make the short trip to local rivals Sale FC, who also had a good away win against Plymouth on opening day.

Hazzelby added: “This is a much-anticipated local derby which we are all looking forward to.

“We will prepare well in the week, but will also rely on strong support from our fans.”