OLD Halesonians started the new year with a 24-14 defeat at the hands of Nuneaton.

Hales went into the game with similar training issues to other clubs during the previous two weeks due to frozen surfaces.

Hales were also disrupted by the late absence of coach Mark Evans and skipper Rich Taylor. The front row was made up of Tom Dempsey, Callum Young at hooker and Pete Fitzgerald taking Taylor's place on the loosehead after weeks of injury.

Louis Padian, recovering from hamstring damage, took the bench as front row replacement.

For the first 12 minutes of the game Hales put immediate pressure on the home team.

They managed to get themselves a 14 - 0 lead, the first try from some excellent forward and back combination play following a lineout ball from Tom King for full back Chris Hooper to score a well worked try, converted by him to lead 7-0.

Shortly after a Nuneaton attack saw a long pass in the backs, intercepted by Hooper, who sprinted 50 metres for his second try and conversion for the 14-0 lead.

All this despite Hales being under immediate pressure from the home pack, this continued throughout the game. Hales gave away far too many penalties which seemed a continuing theme with the referee.

This resulted in three of four penalties converted by the home stand off to reduce the deficit to 14-9. Hales managed to put themselves in try scoring positions near to the Nuneaton line but failed to take advantage.

Continued pressure close to the Nuns line was not capitalised on despite the home side at one point down to 14. This was a crucial part of the game, the half time lead left Hales in a confident position with lots to do.

The second half was all Nuneaton with Hales struggling to dominate.

The penalty count continued and probably saw the difference between the two teams. Nuns kicked for ground and with a well-worked catch and drive, continued the pressure.

A penalty and a converted try in close succession gave Nuns a 19 - 14 lead. This pressure continued and Hales were again against it when prop Padian received a yellow card.

The home side again took the game to Hales and an interception pass gave them a 24 - 14 win.

Team manager Simon Hussey said: "We did not compete up front and gave too many penalties away, something we thought we had solved. We need to regroup and get a full fit squad back on track next week at Sutton."

Old Hales meet Sutton Coldfield away this Saturday (2.15pm ko).