Veseyans 3, Old Hales 8.

Old Halesonians were pushed close in their league encounter at Little Hardwick Road but were still able to keep their 100 per cent record intact.

In a game blighted by the weather conditions, this was never going to be a treat for spectators as the hosts stuck to their guns only weeks after they were thumped 75-0 at Wassell Grove before Christmas.

Playing with the wind and slope in the first half, Hales failed to take the ascendancy or build any momentum.

This was caused by some poor discipline and was compounded by some excellent streetwise rugby from Veseyans.

Hales should have converted more of their possession into points before the break. Visibly disappointed at not taking advantage of the slope, they were limited to 3-0 thanks to a 30th minute Seb Rose penalty.

The home side missed a penalty shortly after the restart, after Hales were deemed to have handled the ball on the floor. After this, Hales awoke to mount a sustained attack, aided by a double substitution in the forwards. Their efforts were rewarded in the 63rd minute with a long-awaited score. Finally asserting themselves and showing their potential, the Hales pack provided quick ball for the backs who, using dummy runners effectively, were able to create an overlap out wide for Tim Curtis, who finished well.

Late on Veseyans' captain Michael Cope made up for the miss by converting his second attempt 15 minutes from time. This set up a nervous end to the game for the league leaders, but their stout defence held firm.

10:09am Thursday 24th January 2008

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