OLD Halesonians claimed back-to-back wins over Bromsgrove with a 17-13 success last Saturday

Hales followed up the previous weekend's cup victory with a hard-fought league win at Wassell Grove.

The visitors turned up with seven replacements to show their true strength.

Although Hales started with the usual early pressure, the visitors were in no mood for a repeat.

All pressure from Hales was met with dogged defence and counter attacking that upset the home side's rhythm.

Hales gave away two early penalties but both went unpunished.

On 11 minutes, Bromsgrove were in command and after a well worked passage of play, forwards provided good ball for their backs to evade tackles to score a converted try to lead 7-0.

Stand in skipper Tom Jordan was determined to turn things round and led the defensive battle with non stop abrasive tackles. Hales back row Jay Martin left the field injured, replaced by Loz Breese returning from injury.

On 40 minutes, the ball arrived in the hands of fly half and player coach Matt Williams inside his own half. He carried 30 metres through the Bromsgrove defence before passing to the supporting Chris Hooper to go over. He got up to convert and level the scores.

The second half started pretty much the same as both sides refused to give ground.

Bromsgrove pressure was rewarded on 61 minutes with a penalty taking the score to 10-7.

Hales made changes, James Martin came on for Guy Field and Gareth Bown arrived in place of Warren Oliver.

A period of phases from the home side two minutes later resulted in a well worked try for replacement Breese, who crashed his way over under the posts for a try, again converted by Hooper for a 14 - 10 lead.

The lead was again cut to just one following a Boars penalty. With seven minutes to go the Hales lead was extended by Hooper with another penalty.

Bromsgrove tried to hit back but Hales held firm to claim the win.

They now sit fifth in the league on the same points as third-placed Peterborough Lions.

Old Hales travel to Burton this Saturday (2.15pm).