OLD Halesonians have climbed to top spot in Midlands One West following their 31-3 win at Hereford.

A physical start to the game resulted with a mass brawl among the forwards before tempers cooled allowing Hales to take charge.

Early forward pressure saw second row Loz Breeze driven over by his pack for a try converted by Steve Powell.

Hooker Pete Fitzgerald then powered over for a second try which was also improved upon by Powell, who then exchanged penalties with his opposite number from Hereford.

Carl Robinson then provided a moment of real class when the centre scampered over 40 metres to secure Hales a third try which Powell converted to put the Wassell Grove side 24-3 ahead by half-time.

Hereford provided much more resistence in the second period but couldn’t breach a dogged Hales defence before second row Eoin McMahon bulldozed his way over for a fourth and bonus-point try which Powell duly converted.

The result takes Hales above rivals Worcester Wanderers on points difference and they hope to improve that position further when they visit Whitchurch on Saturday.

The seconds beat Sutton Coldfield 15-0 in a top-of-the-table clash.

Both sides entered the game unbeaten but following a scoreless first-half, Hales began to get on top. Tries from Matt Weaver, Sam Jones and Seb Rose did the trick, while all the kicks proved unsuccessful.

The thirds won 19-8 at Hereford where Mark Bailey, Steve Deakin and Andy Tromans, who kicked two conversions, scored.

The Colts crashed 36-6 to Luctonians with two penalties from Dan Elvins.