CHRIS Hooper crashed over in the final moments to hand Old Halesonians a 17-10 victory over Hinckley last Saturday.

The challenge was set for this penultimate league game as Hales sought to avenge the heavy loss earlier in the season having travelled with a weakened side.

Although Hinckley showed their strengths initially, the home players were in the faces of the opposition from the kick off. Immediate pressure from Hales was constant, man for man taking the game to the visitors. Tackling was ferocious and defence was strong.

Phase rugby seemed to work with player/coach Mark Evans, Jordan and hooker Pete Fitzgerald leading the charge. Hinckley were left wondering if they'd come to the right place. Within the first 12 minutes Hales dominated and forced an early penalty which Chris Hooper converted to lead 3-0.

Old Hales' backs were always dominant with scrum half Nathan Jones coordinating with Gareth Bown at 10 distributing to the overactive back line of Andy and Carl Robinson, wings Luke Smith and Warren Oliver with Hooper at his usual best.

After 18 minutes, following great defensive work, Hales won a scrum on halfway. Scrum half Jones picked up, a perfect pass to the charging Carl Robinson who once again found a gap to slice through, sell a dummy to the full back for a great try, converted by Hooper to lead 10-0.

Hinckley, the bigger side, were unable to take control, both sides attacked and countered with neither giving way. The remainder of the half saw Hinckley using their big forwards to make ground. The Hales pack fought hard with some crunching tackles from Jordan, Loz Breese, Tom King and Guy Field.

Following a period of pressure from the visitors, the referee penalised Hales front row Matt Young on 38 minutes with a yellow card which reduced the home side to 14 players. Hinckley took advantage and managed to force their way over for a try in the corner for a 10-5 half time score.

The half time break was most welcome for both players and supporters after 40 minutes of non stop action.

The second half was no different with Hinckley pressurising but Hales making great tackles and counter attacks. Centre Carl Robinson was everywhere including with the forwards in loose mauls at times.

Continued driving runs from Evans, Jordan, Fitzgerald and Breese kept them on the forward foot, a fast and furious exchange.

Hinckley again took advantage of an extra man and scored a pushover try to level the scores at 10-10.

It looked as though Hinckley would take control but Hales maintained their tenacious tackling. Then 15 minutes of hard running rugby put the visitors on the back foot. With only five minutes remaining, the game then seemed to be going the way of Hinckley who had weathered the storm and were putting immense pressure on the Hales defence.

The atmosphere was electric as both sides fought to the final whistle, Hinckley again thwarted by great defence, a scrum awarded to Hales 10 metres from their own line. This looked like retaining possession with Jones kicking for touch and a draw.

On 82 minutes, with seconds left on the clock, the Hales scrum won the ball, Jones found flanker Jordan who attacked the opposition making 20 metres before finding winger Smith who took it on. He passed to Carl Robinson, again in support. The Hinckley players were unable to stop the inside pass to Hooper who sprinted for a brilliant try. It was euphoria for Hales and agony for Hinckley. Hooper converted as the referee blew for full time.

Team manager Simon Hussey said: "The players knew what they had to do, the pain we experienced away to Hinckley was the driver. All 18 players gave their all and showed what they are capable of. I give special mention to the captain and man of the match, Tom Jordan, who led from the front."

Old Hales meet Lichfield away in their final league game this Saturday.

They will also meet Whitchurch RFC in the final of the North Midlands Cup at Dudley Kingswinford's Heathbrook ground on Sunday, May 10.