All-conquering Old Hales set sights on Twickenham

10:38am Thursday 17th January 2008

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Northampton Old Scouts 14,
Old Hales 22

Old Halesonians RFC's incredible season could yet end with a memorable trip to Twickenham after they made it through to the last 16 of the EDF Senior Vase.

Old Hales travelled to Northampton Old Scouts and came away with a 22-14 win.

Of the two teams, Northampton looked the brighter in the early exchanges. They bombarded Hales with their large pack.

To add to the pressure, Hales were finding it difficult to escape from their 22-metre area, playing against a strong wind.

However, the away side held firm with dogged determination, doing well to limit Scouts' to just two penalties inside the first 30 minutes from Shaun Boyson. Having weathered the storm and able to gain some territory from the kick off, Hales immediately turned the pressure on their opponents and went on the attack. What followed was to be instrumental in the run of the game, and the eventual result. Getting quick ball from the a breakdown inside the home side's 22' the ball was moved along the backs, centre Matt Wagstaff creating room for captain Seb Rose to finish well out wide. The kick was missed by Tom Harris. This gave Hales the confidence they had lacked in the first 30 minutes. Indeed, identifying a weakness to driving mauls and lineouts, Hales began to take the ascendancy. With their uncompromising forward-play, cracks began to appear when the ball was moved quickly in the Scouts half. The visitors were highly clinical with these opportunities, Flanker Jon Tideswell finishing two well-deserved tries before the break.

Despite, only being in the Scouts' half three times, Hales took a 15-6 lead at the break.

With the wind and slope in the second half, Hales could be forgiven for resting on their laurels.

However, they continued where they had left off exerting heavy pressure on their hosts. Sixteen minutes after the break saw the visitors add their fourth try through Wagstaff. Harris duly added the conversion. At 22-6, Hales were able to control the game from here on in. A late fightback from Scouts' saw them awarded with a Niall Hefford try and another Boyson penalty. This led to a nervous finish for the travelling fans, but Hales' sturdy defence held true to deny the home side coming with a score.

In the next round Old Hales will travel to higher league Sutton Coldfield. who sit top of Midlands Three West South.