This was an entertaining encounter between two evenly matched teams. The final score did not really reflect on a close game with the host’s only securing victory with late scores.
The game started in dramatic fashion with the visitors scoring immediately after the kick off. Walsall were level within five minutes as Jeffrey Williamson crossed the line. The return to action of last year’s leading points scorer Matt Wood, was a vital factor in Walsall’s success. A long range conversion soon displayed his kicking skills. He then had an easy conversion when Neil Pittaway dived over for a try under the posts. The visitors, whose first team play in the National League, drew level with a good try after some strong and direct running. But, once again, Wood came to the rescue with two well struck penalties to give his team a 20-12 interval lead.
Both teams struggled to make a breakthrough during most of the second half. But the hosts finally got the score that virtually sealed victory. A Pittaway kick saw hooker Jimmy Scott follow up and regain the ball after the tackle, some good passing gave Harvey Wootton and Williamson the chance to make good ground. The ball was moved quickly from the breakdown and centre Richard Towe cut through the defence to score a good try. Wood put over the conversion and then converted a try from prop forward Russ Gauden in the final minute, after a strong forward drive.