OLD Halesonians suffered a narrow defeat in their top-of-the-table battle at leaders Hinckley.

Second-placed Hales lost 20-17 away from home as they slipped to back-to-back losses last Saturday.

The Hinckley clash was to be the most difficult challenge so far for Hales after missing out against rivals Bromsgrove the weekend before.

Hinckley immediately tried to impose their forward power with catch and driving mauls but Hales were up to the challenge.

To a man, the Hales players tackled, disrupted, defended and drove into the opposition, who were struggling to control the game. Such was the pressure, the home side were penalised twice for foul play but the kicks were missed.

The game was even for the first 20 minutes with both sides giving their all.

The visitors, led by Tom Jordan, Max Macfarlane and man of the match Loz Breese, tackled and made serious ground on the home defence. However, Hales were penalised allowing Hinckley to convert and take a 3-0 lead.

Such was the intensity from both sides the first half ended with neither team giving way.

The second half was more entertaining, with both sides competing for every ball.

An unconverted try extended the home side's lead before a Hales penalty made it 8-3.

The home side came back with strong forward drives supported by backs for an unconverted try to lead 13-3.

This gave Hales a chance to fight back with a dominant pack providing good ball, which Dave Hadkiss exploited for an individual break and try, converted by Hooper for 13-10.

Both sides then swapped converted tries before the end but Hales could get no closer as time ran out.

Next Saturday sees Hales welcome Lichfield to Wassell Grove (2.15 pm).

Meanwhile, the second team lost 33-17 against Hinckley seconds.