Walsall produced a terrific first half display that saw them score four tries which gave them a 29 – 7 interval lead. But there was some concern amongst the large number of home supporters as the Birmingham team closed to within twelve points with twenty minutes left. But, captain Steve Halbert urged his team into action again, and another fine attack saw them score the try that would secure them their first league points
The hosts made the ideal start with a score after only three minutes, when a super drive by the Walsall pack resulted in No8 Rod Dickson controlling the ball for the first try. Outside half Andy Hawkins put over a fine touchline conversion and slotted a thirty meter penalty soon afterwards. The next twenty minutes saw the Walsall team produce several sweeping attacks,with wingers Tom Emes and Andy Turner creating havoc in the Camp Hill defence. Eventually, the hosts gained another good scrumaging position close to their opponents line and it resulted in another close range try for Dickson. Hawkins put over another excellent conversion to establish a 17-0 lead. Five minutes later it was Turner who scored the next try. Flanker Daniel Simpson made a strong run before passing to the speedy winger, who crossed wide out. The visitors eventually started to exert some pressure on the Walsall line, and after a series of forward drives lock forward Van Der Walt forced his way over for a converted try. But it was Walsall that finished the half with another fine try. This time Turner was the creator as he broke through tackles before passing to Tom Emes. He showed some good running skills to beat the cover defence before touching down. Hawkins put over the conversion to give the hosts a substantial interval lead.
But the home team failed to maintain their momentum, and it was Camp Hill who were the dominant force during most of the second period. They showed a willingness to run the ball at every opportunity, and the Walsall players began to tire in the warm September sunshine. The visitors added three points with an early penalty, and were rewarded for their enterprise when their captain,Koziot, crashed over for a try under the posts. The conversion made it 29 -17, and there was genuine concern amongst the Delves Road faithful. But the Walsall scrum was still a powerful unit, and it was pleasing to see prop forward Jordan White make a strong contribution after coming off the bench to make his 1st XV debut. Unfortunately, the hosts were reluctant to exploit the strengths of their powerful backs, and it was fairly late in the game before man of the match Turner was given the chance to make another one of his’defence busting’ runs. This time it was a sixty meter effort that took play right up to the Camp Hill line. The resulting scrum saw Dickson link with scrum half Bishop, who gave a perfectly timed pass for Turner to dive over in the corner. There was still time for Camps to get the final score, as they moved the ball wide for their replacement winger Brailsford to squeeze in near the corner flag.
This was a much improved performance by the Delves Road team, and it was particularly pleasing to see the Walsall backs make a significant contribution to the team’s success. This Saturday they journey down the M5 to play Cheltenham North
Walsall 2nds dominated their first league game of the season when they played Wolverhampton. The team produced some good rugby in their 36 – 0 victory. The forwards created some excellent ball for the backs, who made good use of their pace to score six excellent tries. Centre Alex Nangreave,returning to action after missing the whole of last season through injury,scored a hatrick of tries. While there was one a piece for Scott Wells,Alister Bartlett and Scott Manninson. Kevin Pitt converted three of the tries. There were good performances from everyone, with the first team experience of Richard Coleman and Tim Hucknall being particularly beneficial to the young team. This saturday they entertain Longton 2nds. The game kicks off at 3pm
The 3rd XV lost 19 – 13 to Burntwood 2nds. Scorers for Walsall were Phil Stanley with a try and Stuart Holder kicking a conversion and 2 penalties