Express & Star

Walsall suffer a cup setback

Walsall tasted a second cup defeat in two weeks after being knocked out of the national Intermediate Cup by Laurentians.

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The home side lost 16-14 after being beaten by Leek in the Staffordshire Cup two weeks ago.

Scrum-half Dan Carpenter bundled over the line for the hosts after a defence-breaking run from centre Jack Crowhurst.

It was followed up by a conversion from captain Roger Weston to put the hosts in front.

But Laurentians responded quickly with a try of their own, before fly-half Sam White put them ahead with a 30-metre penalty.

The visitors then increased their lead just before half-time with another try.

Walsall fought back in the second half, however, when winger Cheval Taylor gathered a loose ball and outpaced the defence, with Weston’s conversion giving the hosts a two-point advantage.

After squandering chances to extend their lead, a penalty from Jon Bean was enough to secure Laurentians a place in the next round.

On Saturday, Walsall will play their first league fixture of the season when they welcome Nantwich to Delves Road.

In the Midlands Intermediate Cup second round, Stafford fought to a tight home victory over Dronfield, winning 17-13.

Their next league match is at home to Longton on Saturday.

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