OLD Halesonians lost out in a close encounter to local rivals Sutton Coldfield RFC.

Both sides, who are fighting relegation, started well with some attacking play and once again a mistake from Old Hales knocking the ball on allowed the home side to make the score 7-0.

Old Hales then fought back with lots of attacking play and the home side gave away a lot of penalties which Old Hales took advantage of, kicking one to make the score 7-3.

More attacking play from old Hales resulted in a try, unconverted made the score 7-8.

The end of the first half saw old Hales give away a few penalties, the home side scored one to make the score 10-8.

Towards the end of the half, Old Hales took advantage of poor play by the home side and scored a penalty to make the half time score 10-11.

The second half saw good attacking play from both sides and on the 60th minute, tempers flared resulting in Old Hales captain being sent off for a punch.

This left the visitors on the back foot allowing Sutton to score again making the score 15-11.

Old Halesonians dominated the rest of the game, despite playing with 14 men, however failed to convert this to the scoreboard.

Head Coach, James Angove said “Silly mistakes cost us the game again today. The game was captured on video so we will be interested to see what caused our normally mild mannered captain to throw a punch.”

Next week Old Hales welcome Whitchurch to The Grove.

Report submitted by Old Halesonians