Hales punch above weight
Old Halesonians return to Midlands Four West North league action against Newcastle this weekend with their unbeaten record in all competitions firmly intact after they progressed to the EDF Senior Vase fourth-round.
Old Halesonians return to Midlands Four West North league action against Newcastle this weekend with their unbeaten record in all competitions firmly intact after they progressed to the EDF Senior Vase fourth-round.
Despite not playing at the highest grade of teams allowed to compete in the competition, few of the sides remaining would fancy a tie against the Wassell Grove outfit, who beat Ludlow – second in Midlands Three West – in the previous round.
A 12-0 victory against struggling Midlands Three side Daventry, last year's semi-finalists, does not quite command the same respect but still proved that Old Hales are comfortable mixing it with those above them on national rugby's pyramid.
In truth, the 12-0 scoreline could have been much more given the way the home side overwhelmingly dominated possession.
After the home side's Chris Wagstaff made a try saving tackle early on – breaking three of his opposite number's ribs in the process – Hales faced little trouble and tries from Eoin McMahon and Alan Hubbleday in either half gave the home side a well-deserved win.
However, Old Hales will have to wit on the fitness of Ben Smith for the game at mid-table Newcastle on Saturday.
One suspects that even if Potts fails to make it, the Old Hales juggernaut will roll on regardless.
Promotion rivals Willenhall faced opposition from the league above too, but failed to replicate the success of Old Hales in losing to Vipers, from Leicestershire, who crusied through to the last 64 with a 44-16 win.
However, the Bognop Road side have an easier obstacle to negotiate this weekend in the form of struggling Telford.
Willenhall lost the fixture last year but an influx of youn talent has bolstered their side sufficiently and Field does not expect them to falter this year.
"We are not going there over-confident," said Field, "but we are going for a win. Telford's results have not been great this season - but they beat us at their place last year so we know they can play."
Number 8 Tom Cowell, who has been called up to the Staffordshire under-20s squad along with fellow back-rower Joe Carpenter, will still be missing from the Willenhall line-up through injury.
Three Russ Tromans penalties and a Ben Potts try accounted for the scoring against Vipers, who Field described as an excellent side.
