Walsall show back on road

Big improvement was required by Walsall's coaches ahead of their local derby with Lichfield - and that is exactly what they got as the Delves Road side picked up their first points of the season.

The result gives a close indication about how strong Walsall could prove in the division after last week's unexpected loss to Hereford, a side not likely to be near the top of the Midlands Two West table in May.

Coach Gez Tillott, who will have the luxury of naming an unchanged side for this week's encounter with league leaders Malvern, said: "It was a big improvement on last week, we actually turned up and played.

"They were not the strongest Lichfield side I have seen though, and the real test is this weekend against Malvern.

"Our set pieces were much better and our scrummaging was a lot more competent.

"Our attitude was better, too. We got the ball wide and once we were behind them we managed to put some decent passages of play together.

That is the way we will play against Malvern and, if we can win 50 per cent of the ball, I am sure we will give them a good game. We know they have a very strong forward pack so we will need to be on our game." Winger Andy Turner's performance received special praise from Tillott after he ran in two tries for Walsall. Prop Ian Bradshaw and second row Steve Fowkes also crossed.