OUTSTANDING Old Halesonians have pulled five points clear on top of National League 3 Midlands after securing a 25-11 success over South Leicester.

The result was all the more pleasing as Hales had major concerns with their front row.

Injuries and unavailability meant Hales plucking loose head prop Jon Deeks and hooker Sam Jones from the Second XV to face a one dimensional South Leicester who tried to keep the ball within their pack.

The plan worked to good effect early on as South Leicester’s pack powered over for an early try.

Steve Hooper responded with a penalty as yellow cards began to flow, making the half time score 5-3 in South Leicester’s favour.

The second half saw South Leicester extend their lead with a couple of penalties, but they also picked up two more yellow cards in the process and Hales were quick to take advantage.

A Pete Clifford penalty was followed with a try from the same player after Hales influential No.8 Mark Evans picked up from the base of a scrum. Clifford also converted to put Hales 13-11 ahead.

Nathan Jones then set his back division in motion enabling Carl Robinson to score in the corner with Clifford again providing the extras.

Victory was completed when Evans gathered line-out ball and was then driven over by his pack to secure a third try.

Hales team boss Simon Hussey confirmed: “It was a good result, especially as some of the other big hitters in this league lost”.

High flying Hales visit one of those big hitters this week when they travel to Sutton Coldfield.

Player-coach Mark Evans is unavailable but Dan Young returns to the back row while hooker Pete Fitzgerald should recover from injury as well.

The Seconds lost out to Old Yardleians 1st team 38-24 while the Thirds beat Wednesbury second string 22-0.