Droitwich First XV 45 - 22 Old Halesonians second XV

Old Hales' second XV accepted a friendly away game against Droitwich firsts who currently lead Midlands 3 West with an unblemished record.

Droitwich started strongly and after only six minutes created an overlap and scored a try that was easily converted.

Old Hales raised the tempo of their game and following some good play by the forwards.

Tom Harris, playing out of position at scrum half, made a telling break to put Andy Holloway in for a try to make the score 7-5, Old Hales continued to pressurise the Droitwich defence and almost scored a second try when Andy Holloway made a well-balanced run through the defence before switching with Laured Kalari who was tackled just short of the try line.

Infringements by Droitwich were penalised and Old Hales opted for an attacking scrum 7 metres out; a good drive gave No.8 James Saddler the opportunity to pick up and power his way over for a try converted by Andy Holloway for a 7-12 lead.

Droitwich capitalised on a penalty and set up a lineout 15 metres from the Old Hales line; Old Hales won the ball but the attempted clearance kick was charged down by the Droitwich second-row who then pounced on the ball to score.

The conversion was successful for Droitwich to lead 14-12.

Old Hales re-grouped and their dominant scrum helped to force Droitwich back deep into their own half. Another powerful drive in the scrum gave Tom Harris a good base for an attack; Harris linked with Alex Herbert who slipped the ball to centre Jack Linehan who scored on the right.

From the kick off Old Hales wing Kalari took the ball cleanly and made ground before releasing Holloway who carried the ball for 60 metres at speed. The Droitwich cover defence brought the attack to an end and the referee signalled the end of an eventful first half with Old Hales in the lead 14-17.

Droitwich started the second half with a steely determination and quickly racked up three tries without reply: a quick tap penalty by the Droitwich No.8 resulted in a try; a catch and drive from a lineout set up the second try and a good move by Droitwich stretched the Old Hales defence for the Droitwich left wing to score in the corner; making the score 31-17.

Droitwich were still in attacking mode and when their wing took the ball 35 metres out he stepped his way at pace through the Old Hales defence to score for a 38-17 lead.

Old Hales managed to get back into the game and put some attacking moves together. Hales were awarded a penalty in front of the Droitwich posts; they took a quick tap penalty and moved the ball quickly out to the right for Mike Topping to score in the corner to reduce the Droitwich lead to 38-22.

Old Hales were back on the attack again; however, a looped pass was intercepted by Droitwich and although the player was tackled the ball was recycled quickly and Droitwich scored the final try of the game, sealing a 45-22 victory.

Old Hales scorers: Tries: Andy Holloway, James Sadler, Jack Linehan, Mike Topping Conversions: Andy Holloway