OLD Halesonians RFC produced an outstanding performance in their first outing at Wassell Grove of the season to earn a comfortable 28-7 win over last season’s promotion-race losers, Stafford. Indeed, after a shaky start, Hales showed a return to the form which saw them promoted to Midlands Three last term. Placing pressure on Hales at the breakdown, Stafford were awarded several early penalties, full-back Jack Gough missing a shot at goal on 12 minutes. This appeared to be the wake up call Hales needed, and the visitors spent the remainder of the half defending.

Hales began mounting attack after attack, invariably unable to execute the try-scoring pass. They had, however, seized control of the game with some outstanding tactical kicking from Chris Wagstaff, Tom Harris and Ben Smith, and it was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken. It came when Mark Wakefield coolly converted two penalties. Shortly after Hales used good ball from an attacking scrum deep inside opposition territory. After picking up from the base of the scrum, the forwards recycled the ball well before Alan Hubbleday powered over for an unconverted score. Dominance The half-time whistle came with Hales in the ascendancy.

Just two minutes after the break, Hales extended their lead with another Wakefield penalty.

It was awarded when Stafford were caught offside in midfield. Hales’ back-row recruit Tristan Laga went over for Hales’ second try after 53 minutes with Wakefield adding the conversion to put the game out of Stafford’s reach.

However, Stafford eventually managed to earn themselves a consolation try.

Wagstaff was sin-binned in the 63rd minute and a blood injury forced Laga off the field.

The hosts finished the stronger though, with a second converted try from Hubbleday. This time, Hales drove the visitors over the tryline from a five-metre attacking scrum. Hales remain one of just three sides unbeaten after two games.