Old Halesonians were forced to make five changes to their first team due to injuries last week to take on Stoke-on-Trent at home.

Both sides came out with the attacking intent, after a series of attacks, the home side got a penalty in the Stoke-on-Trent half and Luke Fenton kicked a penalty to make the opening score 3-0.

Further attacks saw a line-out in the visiting side 22; after a misthrow in the line-out, Tim Daley caught the ball and crashed over to score a try, Luke Fenton converted to make the score 10-0.

From here on, Stoke-on-Trent dominated the first half and eventually scored a try to make the score half time score 10-5.

The second half started as the first half ended with the home side getting little ball play. After a series of play, Stoke-on-Trent gained a line out in Old Hales 22 and scored a try to make the score 12-10. Conversion missed.

More attacking play from Stoke-on-Trent was defended brilliantly by Old Hales. Eventually Stoke-on-Trent scored another try in the corner to make the score 10-17. Conversion missed again.

From the re-start, Old Hales were able to get some ball and after attacking moves, Stoke-on-Trent got penalised at the breakdown. Luke Fenton kicked the penalty to make the score 13-17.

From the kick-off, Stoke-on-Trent got the ball and it was Old Hales turn to be penalised to make the score 13-20.

Dominant ball play from the visiting side resulted in Old Hales infringing at the breakdown and again awarding Stoke-on-Trent a penalty which they scored to make the score 13-23.

More attacking play by Stoke-on-Trent was defended well but was broken through to make the final score 13-28.

On reflection, Old Hales defended well and spirits are high with player debuts demonstrating our strength in depth is improving.

Clear points to work on for their away game at Stratford-upon-Avon on Saturday, 15.00 kick off.

Report submitted by Old Halesonians