Cup woe continues as Walsall bow out early once more

Last Saturday’s 17-12 home defeat to Earlsdon was the second time in three seasons they have been beaten by the Coventry-based outfit, who used their forward power to score three tries and win a somewhat dour contest.

The first half saw very little open rugby, with the visitors having prolonged periods of pressure in the Walsall half and the hosts frequently guilty of failing to clear their lines. Yet it was Walsall who would score the opening try of the match, 10 minutes before half-time.

A strong forward drive followed by some neat passing saw Roger Weston and Robert Angell combine to send winger Brandon Sayce away to score.

Earlsdon, however, turned the game on its head with two tries either side of the break.

First, Lawrence Gittings touched down after a series of forward drives had pushed the hosts steadily back. Soon they led when Tom Bramwell touched down for a score that was almost a carbon copy of the first.

Walsall tried to wrestle back control and managed to get their noses in front once more.

From a powerful lineout drive, scrum-half Dean Ainger darted through for a try which Jordan Lay converted to give the hosts a two-point lead.

It was an advantage they failed to hold. Another foray into the Walsall half in the final 10 minutes saw Jack Brown driven over for the try that would give Earlsdon victory, Terry Hicks converting to give the visitors a five-point lead.

Walsall now turn their attentions to this Saturday when they officially open their new artificial pitch at Delves Road.

Both the club’s girls and veteran teams will be in action before the first XV kick-off against Ludlow at 3pm.

Wolverhampton are through to the next round following a 34-7 home win over Leamington.

They host Crewe and Nantwich in the league this Saturday.