OLD Halesonians had a shock to the system this week when they suffered a 28-22 defeat at home to Sandbach in National Three Midlands.

It was Hales first reverse of the season, although not quite enough to knock them off top spot.

Team boss Simon Hussey said: “It was the wake-up call we probably needed.

“We watched the best defensive record in the league go to pot, while our rucking got turned over far too often.

”Luckily, all the other results went our way with both Hinckley and Sutton Coldfield getting beaten as well.”

It appeared to be business as usual as Hales built a 14-8 lead against Sandbach, thanks to a couple of Chris Hooper tries, which he converted himself following sterling work by Pete Clifford and Carl Robinson.

Sandbach responded with a try of their own together with a couple of penalties to make the score 14-11.

Hales then re-asserted themselves when scrum-half Nathan Jones fed the backs which allowed Luke Smith to score a third try.

However, Sandbach refused to lie down and put Hales under pressure before forcing a well deserved converted try, narrowing the gap to just 19-18.

Both sides then traded penalties, but it was Sandbach who finished the stronger side and sealed victory with a well worked try wide out which was superbly converted.

Trailing 28-22, Hales tried desperately to repair the damage and player-coach Mark Evans thought he’d saved the day when capitalising from a loose ruck to force his way over — only to be called back following a forward pass.

Hales hope for a return to winning ways this Saturday when they travel to Scunthorpe, but will be missing centres Carl and Andy Robinson.