National League Division 3 Midlands:

Birmingham and Solihull 7, Old Halesonians 29

THE last time these two clubs met was in the former Pilkington Cup competition many years ago.

Since then, times have changed for Birmingham and Solihull, who were relegated from National League 2 North last season and are struggling to find their form this season.

Hales were dominant from the early exchanges, but their only reward was a 17th minute penalty from full back Chris Hooper.

They stretched the lead further following a 25th minute line-out when the ball came out to winger Luke Smith, who combined with Hooper for the full back to snap up a try and make the score 8-0.

The restart resulted with both sets of forwards involved in a mass brawl which continued for some considerable time.

When order was finally restored, there were red cards issued to Hales prop Louis Padian and Bee's No.8.

Following changes to both packs as a result of the dismissals, Bees made a rare visit to Hales 22 which resulted in a well worked try which brought the first half to a halt with the score at 7-8.

Hales attacked continually from the restart and the continued pressure saw Bees commit more infringements which enabled Hooper kick three successive penalties to put his side 17-7 ahead after 65 minutes.

With Hales superior fitness beginning to tell, their backs started coming into their own.

But it was a driving maul by the forwards which resulted in the next score, Tom King gathering the ball for a great try.

With three minutes remaining, Hales secured a third try, Pete Fitzgerald bursting through a tired Bees defence before offloading the ball to the indomitable King to claim his second try which Oli Raynor converted.

This Saturday's game against Bromsgrove also coincides with Murrey Keen's Presidents Day when he will be entertaining over 100 guests prior to the match.

HALES Second XV easily beat Birmingham and Solihull's Development side 56-12.

Sadly the Bees could only muster 13 players and failed to provide a complete front row which meant the game was played with uncontested scrums.

Sam Alvey snapped up a hat-trick of tries for Hales with Keiron Haynes, Sam Jones and Jake Shellis all grabbing two each.