OLD Halesonians suffered a 22-13 home defeat at the hands of league leaders South Leicester.

Hales' first team regrouped from a disappointing loss at Scunthorpe last week. The home side were confident from the start and immediately took the game to a very big Leicester team

Strong running by forwards Fitzgerald, skipper Taylor and Tom Jordan made ground. Scrum half Nathan Jones and debutant fly half Gareth Bown gelled quickly and gave good service to their backs, which included the two Robinson brothers, Carl and Andy, in the centres.

Hales pressure initially was not turned into points and the visitors weathered the storm to come back. They started to show their strength with big forwards catching and driving mauls.

A line out, catch and drive was a big part of their game, they rolled forward and scored an unconverted try to lead 5-0.

Hales responded with some fine phases and pressure that forced a penalty, which Hooper converted. This sparked off some excellent play with Hooper. Luke Smith and Warren Oliver strong in attack.

Hales were strong in the tight and won ball in the opposition 22 for Nathan Jones to feed Gareth Bown at stand off who jinked his way elegantly through the defence to score a try converted by Hooper to lead 10-5.

South Leicester started the second half in the ascendancy, their driving maul with big forwards was simple but effective. Their defence was also strong and their stand off controlled the game with excellent kicks for position.

This was rewarded with another driving maul with a converted try to take the lead again 12-10. The home side tried desperately to pull back the deficit and although valiant in defence the visitors used there size to retain possession.

This led to a ball out to the backs, a kick over the defence, a pick up and sprint to the line for another converted try to stretch the lead to 19-10. Time was running out as Hales fought to gain possession and ground. Another penalty awarded which Hooper quickly took and brought the scored to 19-13.

Hopes of scoring s final try were dashed as Leicester were awarded a penalty in kicking distance. The visiting fly half obliged with a kick to take the final score to 22-13.

The visit to Bournville this Saturday is a crucial game to win if Hales' league campaign is to get back on track.