OLD Halesonians RFC secured a solid 27-16 bonus point win at Walsall in Midlands One West.

Delves Road has not been a happy hunting ground for Old Hales in recent years and they were keen to improve their record.

But the early exchanges were won by Walsall who dominated possession and territory, after a number of handling errors by the visitors.

Poor weather made the ball slippery and Old Hales struggled to adapt but a score from skipper Rich Taylor ensured they carved out a rather fortunate 10-6 at the break.

The interval allowed the visitors to regroup and they came out a much improved side. Tries by Loz Breese, Eoin McMahon and Tom Jordan secured the bonus point within 15 minutes of the restart as Hales played with an intensity the hosts could not match.

Walsall grabbed two scores of their own before the end but Hales comfortably held on.

Taylor said: “We made hard work of it and ended up playing them at their own game.”

Old Hales are at home to Barkers Butts this Saturday.

Dan Grant scored two tries as the seconds romped to a 35-3 win at Malvern.

Seb Rose, Pete Lewis, Matt Weaver, Ben Perks and Chris Deeks rounded off the scoring.

The thirds built on a strong start to claim a 40-12 win at home to Pershore.

Steve Deakin scored an early converted try and further scores for James Saddler and Dave Hunt handed the hosts a 19-0 half-time lead.

Pershore hit back with two tries early in the second period, one of which was converted, to narrow the advantage to seven points.

But Old Hales found their rhythm again and Alex Herbert took advantage of some sloppy defending to restore their cushion.

Tony Shaw, Luke Snyman and Joe Bradley all crossed in the closing stages to complete the win.