OLD Hales finished their league campaign with a 15-7 success over Nuneaton at Wassell Grove.

The final league game of the season saw Hales in third place meet their fourth-placed opponents.

The overnight rainfall meant the home staff preparing the training pitch to match standard as the first team pitch was waterlogged.

Hales fielded a strong side and from the kick off they were on the attack with head coach Ben Hughes gliding over for a try after two minutes, converted by Oli Rayner to lead 7-0.

Hales continued from the kick off with Max Macfarlane, Tom Jordan and skipper Rich Taylor leading the charge.

Nuns came back with a well worked try wide out which was converted to draw level.

The home side again went on the attack with scrum half Dave Hadkiss distributing well and keeping on the front foot. Hales backs combined well with centres Ben Barkley and Carl Robinson putting pressure on the visitors defence.

Wingers Luke Smith and Jay Reid tested the opposition and on 26 minutes Reid was given the ball in space, he sprinted past his opposite man to score for a lead of 12-7 at half-time.

The second half again saw Hales in command but bad handling and decision-making prevented further scores.

Jay Martin, on for Macfarlane, produced some driving runs with number 8 Steve Leach continually threatening. Jordan continued to hit his men with crunching tackles with Hughes and Dick Sawyer taking control of the line out.

On 44 minutes, the pressure resulted in a penalty to Hales converted by Rayner to lead 15-7.

Joe Oxford came on for the injured Reid, Macfarlane back on for Jordan and prop, Rob Butler, on for Matt Young.

Hooker Pete Fitzgerald made some incisive runs with full back Hooper again kicking intelligently. The pressure should have seen more scores for Hales but Nuneaton defended well as chances continued to be passed up.

Hales scrum was totally dominant but no more scores were forthcoming.

On the final whistle the 15-7 score stood but could have been a different story had the home side taken their opportunities.

After the game, club vice-chairman Simon Hussey said: “This has been a long difficult season but we should be really proud of our third place position in a league against some strong physical sides. We finished 22 points above Peterborough in fourth place which shows how strong and consistent we have been apart from the odd result.

“I must give credit to Director of Rugby Gary Cox, Team Manager Dan Grant, coaches Ben Hughes and Ben Barkley and physios Esther, Esta and Kimberley for unstinting commitment throughout the season. Also Seb Rose, second team manager, and all captains of the senior sides for a successful season for the club.”

Hales first team meet Birmingham Solihull in the semi-final of the North Midlands Cup at Portway this Friday (7.30pm kick off).