OLD Halesonians RFC will head into this Saturday’s derby clash with Dudley Kingswinford at Wassell Grove (kick-off 3pm) free of relegation fear after last week’s win over Cheltenham North.

The 27-5 win condemned the hosts to the drop while ensuring Old Hales survival in Midlands One West with five games to play.

The visitors were always in control, scoring first from a counter attack deep inside their own 22 after just eight minutes. Full back Luke Smith used his blistering pace to run 60 yards for the score, with fly half Rhys Pritchard adding the conversion.

A second score came minutes later when Hales shifted the ball from a quick lineout. Debutant Loui Stelling weaved his way through the covering defence to score out wide on his wing.

Seb Rose then made the initial break to provide Smith with his second try of the afternoon.

After the break Cheltenham must have sensed their impending relegation and winger Steve Harris cut the lead. But this was to be the only blemish on an otherwise impressive defensive day for Halesonians.

It appeared the referee had missed captain Chris Wagstaff dive over for a score, but following calls from the Hales forwards, the referee awarded Wagstaff his second try in two games.

Hales were again moving the ball well and Tristan Laga impressively beat two players to go over for the final score.

Looking towards Saturday’s derby clash Wagstaff said: “DK are on a good run of form but we have nothing to lose.

“They are probably on a different level to us at the moment but we will give it our best shot.”