OLD Halesonians' team manager Simon Hussey paid tribute to his team after they claimed North Midlands Cup success.

Old Hales beat Whitchurch 52-6 at Dudley Kingswinford's Heathbrook ground last Sunday to secure silverware that had previously eluded them since the competition's inception 43 years ago.

Hussey said: "To finish fifth in a very competitive National League and cap that with our first ever silverware in the cup is a brilliant end to our season.

"This is largely due to the efforts of director of rugby Gary Cox, who has led from the front yet again, head coach Mark Evans who has worked tirelessly throughout the closed and playing season, sometimes in difficult circumstances, and Matt Williams for assisting with coaching and looking after the backs and playing a vital part on and off the field.

"I don't single out players, who have all been excellent throughout the season, but I do mention Tom Jordan for his leadership by example. He's a fine ambassador for this club. Today gave me immense pride and I hope we can move into next season in the same vein, we must maintain our momentum but make sure we do that as an inclusive club."

A poignant pre-match minute of silence was agreed to mark the sudden passing of club member and supporter Phil Dempsey, father of Tom, who was playing at Loose Head Prop.

Hales attacked from the kick off but it was clear Whitchurch were never going to lay down and give up their opportunity of an upset. A nervous start by Hales allowed Whitchurch a penalty which they took to lead 3-0.

Hales then put their mark on the game, only two minutes later a scrum ball was taken by Peter Fitzgerald against the Whitchurch head. The ball was fed via Matt Williams to centre Carl Robinson who sliced through the opposition backs for a try. Chris Hooper converted for a 7-3 lead.

The Hales side started to dominate with telling runs by forwards Tom King, Guy Field, Loz Breese and Tom Jordan.

After another ten minutes, line out ball was won by Mark Evans, Jones and Williams again feeding man of the match Carl Robinson with more space for the powerful centre to score his second try, converted by Hooper once more.

A short time later, injury struck Hales hooker Pete Fitzgerald. He had been dominant in the scrum at this point and was devastated to leave the field. Replacement Bobby Moxon immediately got involved in the fray.

This made no difference to the dominance of Hales who again worked the phases with Evans and Jordan leading the charge with props Matt Young and Tom Dempsey in regular contact. Just a few minutes later wing Luke Smith received the ball out wide, sprinted past the defenders for a try in the corner.

Hales attacked at will and a wide ball to wing Warren Oliver saw him slip through the defence for a try, converted by Hooper, for a half time lead of 26-3.

Whitchurch forced another penalty early in the second half to double their tally. However, any hopes of a strong second half were dashed when secured ball by the Hales forwards gave backs the ball to Oliver again on the wing to score.

Further tries from Breeze and Smith saw Hales to a comfortable success.