Walsall hit trouble at Camp Hill
A second-half collapse condemned Walsall to a heavy defeat in their opening Midlands 2 West (North) clash of the season.
Walsall had produced a satisfactory performance during the opening half at Camp Hill.
They scored two good tries that saw flanker Matt James burst through for a 20-metre touchdown before the hard-working George Perkins drove over the tryline after a strong forward drive.
Captain Roger Weston converted both tries and kicked a penalty.
The hosts battled back to level the scores at 17-17 with 30 minutes left to play.
That period proved to be a torturous time for the visitors as their forwards struggled to contain a powerful opposition pack and the hosts added five more tries during this time ti run out emphatic 50-17 winners.
One bright spot for Walsall during the second half was the introduction a member of last season’s successful Colts team as Rhys Gaddu came off the replacements bench to make his debut.
Walsall turn their attentions to the Intermediate Cup this weekend when they welcome Laurentians to Delves Road in the first round of the competition. The game kicks off at 3pm.
Eccleshall tasted victory on the road in their first Midlands 3 West (North) outing of the season.
Wednesbury were on the receiving end of an impressive Eccleshall display as the visitors won 44-25.
But there was no travelling joy for Willenhall, who lost 26-7 to Cleobury.
Rugeley hit their straps in Midlands 4 West (North).
They returned home with five points in the bag thanks to a 49-14 triumph at Birmingham Exiles.
Aldridge were also celebrating a win, 29-22 at home to Yardley, but there were defeats for Warley, 34-17 at Aston, and Essington, 29-0 at Clee Hill. Cannock were beaten 24-19 by visiting Market Drayton.
