OLD Halesonians were made to fight hard for their win against league newcomers Towcestrians at Wassell Grove.

Hales saw two new players join the squad, hooker Jordan Page, prop forward Mike Hill.

The early exchanges saw both sides fighting for possession, Hales putting their game plan in place using a forward based driving game providing platform for the backs.

On 18 minutes a lineout in the visitor's 22 saw player/coach Ben Hughes take a clean ball from Page, a rolling maul ensued which continued to within metres of the goal line where Matt Young picked up and dived for the first try which was converted by full back Chris Hooper.

Hughes took the ball from the kick off and the driving mauls continued before a kick forward put winger Jay Reid in position to beat the opposition to the line for the second try.

Just three minutes later Towcestrians fought back and although Hales' defence worked hard the visitors secured the ball for a pushover try.

Clayton left the field after dislocating his shoulder, he was replaced by Loz Breese, after more Hales pressure Hooper stepped up to convert a penalty.

During this time Clayton, who was waiting for transport to hospital, moved his arm and the shoulder popped back into place. He therefore made the decision to return to the field.

Towcestrians were down to 14 men after a yellow card and Hales took advantage to force a penalty which Hooper scored from 55 metres out. Again the home side received the ball from the restart, spreading the ball wide to Andy Robinson on the wing. He took on his opposite man inside and fed to the returning Clayton for a well worked try to make the score 23 - 5 at half time.

At the restart Towcestrians were straight back into the game, a line out close to the Hales line saw Hughes penalised and leaving the field with a yellow card for a high tackle.

The visitors converted the penalty and looked to be regrouping well. After 55 minutes Hales hit back as winger Reid sprinted in for his second try, which was converted by Hooper.

Th end-to-end rugby continued, Hales lost fly-half Ian Briggs to a yellow card and Towcestrians made pressure pay with another try.

They continued with excellent open play and made ground into the Hales half, the home side had to fight hard to keep them out.

Hughes returned to the fray but Briggs having returned, dislocated two fingers and took no further part.

The visitors fought their way over for a converted try on 80 minutes but the game finished 30 - 20, a victory which keeps Hales in the league's top three.

This Saturday the first team travel to Peterborough Lions - kick off at 3 pm.