Hales hang on for Stoke success

In a tight game at Wassell Grove, the visitors took the game to Hales early on but couldn’t find a way through.

The hosts went ahead thanks to a well worked converted try from winger Joe Oxford.

But Stoke responded with a converted try and a drop goal to take a 10-7 lead in this Midlands One West clash.

Hales hit back with a try from skipper Rich Taylor, who was driven over from 20 metres out.

Oxford then gave them a 17-10 half-time lead thanks to a superb try when he picked up the ball on the opposition 22 and evaded several tackles to score in the corner.

An unconverted try for the visitors early in the second period levelled things up but Hales back row forward Tom Harris responded with a try to restore the five-point advantage.

By this time it was end-to-end and Hadkiss kicked a penalty for the hosts before Stoke scored a try.

The crucial score came from Tom Jordan to give Hales a 32-22 lead going into the final 10 minutes.

The visitors could only add a penalty as the hosts hung on.

Hales move up to third in the league and travel to Walsall this Saturday.

The seconds grabbed an impressive 26-17 victory over Worcester.

Mark Wakefield kicked two early penalties to give Hales a solid base and Alex Church then scored a try to cap off an impressive opening.

Worcester hit back with an unconverted try but Wakefield added a further penalty for a 14-5 half-time lead.

A blistering run and try from Dave Wakefield increased the advantage early in the second period and Dan Grant effectivelly made the game safe with another score.

The visitors managed to score twice to reduce the deficit in the closing stages.

Skipper Gavin Evans and winger Jamie Leach both scored hat-tricks as the thirds battered Bridgnorth 78-5.

Stevie Deakin got two and their were further tries for Andy Tromans, Ben Roberts, Chris Poole, Craig Jukes. Gaz Price kicked nine conversions.

The fourths defeated Kidderminster 12-5 but the Colts suffered a 41-5 defeat at Sutton Coldfield.