Report submitted by Old Halesonians RFC

Midland Premier League

Nuneaton 63-0 Old Halesonians 

Hales' first team lost out at Nuneaton against a strong home side. Hales stuck at the task but were outplayed in the latter stages. 

  • Old Hales second XI 5-10 Nuneaton second XI 

Due to injuries across the club it was a much changed second team that took the field for their league game against Nuneaton with a number of players being called up from the third team at short notice.

Despite playing up hill and into the wind in the first half Old Hales started brightly and put Nuneaton under pressure, however they conceded a number of penalties in quick succession that gave Nuneaton good territory and they crossed for the first try of the game to go 0-5 up.

Old Hales responded well and in conditions not suitable for expansive rugby the ball was keep tight with the forward and after a number of good carries scrum-half George Eccles was able to snipe over from close range to level the scores.

Back came Nuneaton who were using the elements in their favour well and they soon created an opportunity to score to retake the lead.

The rest of the half saw the Old Hales defence severely tested as Nuneaton piled on the pressure however Old Hales remained strong and prevented Nuneaton from crossing again. Half time 5-10.

With elements now in their favour the second half saw Old Hales dominate both possession and territory for large periods.

Old Hales created a number of opportunities to score but a combination of poor execution, good Nuneaton defence and bad luck meant that the home side couldn’t cross the line for the score that would have provided that elusive first win of the season.

Final score Old Hales 5-10 Nuneaton 

Next week the first team travel to Scunthorpe, the seconds are at home to Towcester.