Old Hales secure promotion

10:27am Thursday 13th March 2008

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Old Halesonians RFC secured promotion to Midlands Division Three for next season with an emphatic 21-3 victory away at promotion rivals Willenhall.

The first half began with some thumping forwards play, as both packs tried to illustrate their superiority.

In the 19th minute, Hales found themselves surging towards the try-line after driving a line-out in the Willenhall 22. The ball was held up over the line, and from the ensuing scrum Hales were awarded a penalty try for the Willenhall back row not being bound.

Willenhall fly-half Karl Hungus kicked a penalty in the 28th minute, to leave the score 7-3 at half-time.

With the wind at their backs Hales were never going to lose the game and were able to use the conditions to their advantage.

Hales capitalised when Smith cleverly chipped into the open space for centre Dickie Harding to gather and score a converted try.

Tom Harris replaced Smith with 10 minutes to go and made a huge impact.

In injury time, he received the ball from a ruck and spotted half a gap to score a well- taken individual effort.

The champagne was immediately opened and the celebrations began for the boys in yellow and blue from Wassell Grove.