MIDLANDS One West table-toppers Old Halesonians RFC crashed to their first home defeat of the season despite leading against Walsall 12-3.

But the Wassell Grove fortress was finally breached as the visitors ran out 13-12 winners.

Despite this loss, Old Hales remain top of the table after title rivals Worcester Wanderers went down 27-20 at home to Stratford.

It leaves Halesonians three points clear of second-placed Lichfield and Wanderers, who dropped to third.

The contest against Walsall was never going to be a classic on a heavy pitch, but it looked like business as usual when Halesonians took the early initiative.

Dan Young gave his side the lead when he was powered over with Steve Powell converting.

The visitors narrowed the deficit to 7-3 with a well struck penalty but Halesonians went further ahead when forwards and backs combined well for wing Luke Smith to score an unconverted try.

But Walsall hit back in the second-half with two unconverted tries to snatch victory.

Halesonians will hope to hit back this Saturday when they host lowly Ludlow (2-15pm).

The second XV remain unbeaten this term after storming to a 44-6 success at Old Saltleians.

Seb Rose led the spree by scoring a hat-trick of tries while Dan Le’nevue added two more.

Dave and Mark Wakefield also penetrated Salts try-line with Ollie Kealey adding an eighth try.

Rose added over a couple of conversions.