Willenhall rising up the table
Willenhall's rise to prominence in Midlands Four West took another step in the right direction as they moved to second after a comfortable 31-13 win against Selly Oak.
Willenhall's rise to prominence in Midlands Four West took another step in the right direction as they moved to second after a comfortable 31-13 win against Selly Oak.
The Bognop Road men face Leicestershire-based side Vipers this weekend in the EDF Senior Vase, and will travel to the Midland Three South East side full of confidence after forcing their way into the promotion places.
Eric Field's side will be intent on extending their cup run - but the pressure is definitely off
a side that has labelled league promotion as their top priority this season.
"We are going to go and enjoy it," said the coach, "and there is no reason why we should not get a result. "They are mid-table in their league and we are near the top of ours."
"But our main concern is the league and staying in the promotion places."
Selly Oak never had enough to worry Willenhall, who scored direct from the kick off through Alan Dyke, Tom Cowell, Joe Carpenter and Ben Potts scored the tries with Russ Troman's boot doing the rest.
The influential Cowell will be out for the cup gam and will be replaced by club captain Ian Law.
Old Halesonians will be looking forward to a break from Midlands Four West North action this weekend - because a return to cup action could mean they can test themselves against opposition playing in a higher division.
Such is the ease with which Hales have beaten all comers in their division that a match against higher placed opponents might provide the test they are looking for. Only it won't.
In the last round of the EDF Senior Vase, Hales beat Ludlow, who, at the time, were the unbeaten leaders of the Midlands Three West North.
This weekend Old Hales will face Midlands Three East South outfit Daventry, who have lost nine from nine with an average scoreline of 43-10.
In contrast, Old Hales are nine from nine and winning with an average scoreline of 42-5. It was therefore no disgrace for a lowly but spirited Harbourne side to go down 46-10 at the rampant league leaders on Saturday.
