OLD Halesonians made a blistering start to their season with a 71 – 8 win against Lichfield.

The first team took to the field in front of an expectant crowd at Wassell Grove and did not disappoint.

Player/coach Ben Hughes led from the front from kick-off and immediately put the visitors under pressure.

Scrum half Chris Danks and fly half Ian Briggs kept Hales on the front foot.

New recruit winger Sam Musiyarira gathered the ball wide out to take on the opposition for an individual first try of the game to lead 5 - 0. The home side were in control from the off with all eight forwards showing ball carrying ability.

This was led by second rows, Ben Hughes and Dick Sawyer, with back row Max Macfarlane, skipper Steve Leach and new recruit Adam Clayton totally overpowering their opposite numbers.

It was Macfarlane who scored after 13 minutes, converted by Chris Hooper to lead 12 - 0.

Hales continued the first half with tries from Sawyer, Clayton, wing Luke Smith, centre Carl Robinson and another from Clayton with Hooper kicking well for a 47 - 3 lead having given a penalty to the opposition.

After half time, Hales continued with some outstanding rugby and dominance with centre Ben Barkley crossing the line after another driving run. Unfortunately, that was then followed by a yellow card for Barkley after a high tackle on his opposite number.

Hales continued with a totally dominant pack with front row Adam Wilson, hooker Sam Jones and tight head Rich Jones showing how set piece should work. A scrum in the Lichfield 22 saw the visitors collapsing under pressure for a penalty try converted by Hooper to make it 59 - 3.

Hales made changes with Rob Butler on for Wilson in the front row and Loz Breese joining the fray with immediate impact. Musiyarira left the field with injury, replaced by Andy Robinson which again only seemed to strengthen the home side.

After 57 minutes, Lichfield fought back with a try but this made no impact on the difference between the two sides. Carl Robinson was next on the score sheet having supported Smith on a break through the visiting backs for a try on 62 minutes converted by Hooper.

Several minutes later Hooper gathered the ball in the centres, sprinted past his opposite man and fed Smith in support for a great try, converted by Hooper to finalise a well-deserved victory.

Director of Rugby Gary Cox said: "This was a really impressive performance by a squad of players who have worked hard during the closed season. Hopefully we can build on this and if we can maintain our fitness and positive attitude this could well be our season."

They will look to build on the success when they go to Longton this Saturday (3pm kick-off).