OLD Halesonians kept themselves in touch with the league leaders by claiming a 31-10 win over Scunthorpe last Saturday.

Scunthorpe were level on points with Hales before kick off and just one place behind the home side in seventh.

Despite the cold weather, both sides immediately tested each others defence with great periods of open rugby. Hales first taking the game to Scunthorpe during a period that included 14 phases and hard yards gained.

The visitors took the initiative with similar gains through a strong rolling maul, which eventually led to the first points of the day with a well taken drop goal after 15 minutes.

Hales came back with a number of great set piece moves, which included a stolen scrummage inside their 22. Scrum half Nathan Jones fed wing Luke Smith who ran almost the length of the pitch before being taken into touch 15 metres out.

The home pack was again dominant with Louis Padian, Pete Fitzgerald and skipper Rich Taylor again in the driving seat at set scrums. Both sides were competing well for territory over the next 10 minutes. On 30 minutes, the Hales pack took a scrum against the head on halfway, fly half Gareth Bown fed wing Warren Oliver.

He went in a mazy run through the defence, offloaded the ball to the ever present Tom Jordan who found the gap to go over for a brilliantly worked first try, converted by Chris Hooper for a 7-3 lead.

The remainder of the first half saw Hales taking control of the game in most areas of the field. Then came the unexpected try of the game. Hales win a line out on half way, Mark Evans coordinated a driving maul,

Loose head prop Padian received the ball and ran at the opposition selling an outrageous dummy to the opposite centres, off he steamed. As a former back row player no one from his own side could catch him.

On the opposition 22 he sold another dummy to the full back for a classic try converted by Hooper for a 14 - 3 lead at half time.

Despite the lead, Scunthorpe were still well in this game, the next score could be crucial. On 47 minutes Hales won another scrum just in the visitors half. In a planned move, Jones fed Bown who dummied outside passing inside to centre Andy Robinson. He split the defence with his gazelle like swerving running style to score another great individual try.

Hales were in control and attacked at will, Another scrummage on 60 minutes saw the Hales pack take again win possession. Thirteen phases of play took them within five yards of the line, a penalty was conceded and a yellow card to Scunthorpe.

Further punishment came when after a scrum won by Hales, Hooper received the ball from Bown, rounded the inside centre for a try which he converted for a 26 - 3 lead.

More attacks led by Fitzgerald. Jordan, Evans and Flanker Jay Martin continued to overwhelm the visitors. Andy Robinson, back in form, again collected and went on another long distance slalom run.

He drew his opposite man, passed to Fitzgerald in support and again to the waiting Jordan for his second try of the game.

The home side could be forgiven for switching off in what was injury time when Scunthorpe scored a deserved consolation try before the ref blew for full time and a bonus point win.

The win sees Hales rise to fifth in the league with a break from league action this Saturday. The next game is away against league leaders and promotion favourites South Leicester on Saturday, February 21.