Mason worth his salt as he kicks winning points

By mpanter

Midlands Two West (North)

Old Salts RFC 10

Willenhall 7

OLD Saltleians moved up to second in the table as they edged a tight encounter with Willenhall.

Willenhall looked the more confident team early on, spending considerable time in the Salts' half during the first quarter of the Midlands Two West (North) clash.

However, the Old Salts defence stood firm and the visitors failed to make a mark on the scoreboard.

Willenhall finally capitalised and opened the scoring with the first converted try of the afternoon.

However, with half-time approaching, Old Salts finally began to settle and a good move started by Andrew Buck saw a good run from Dan Fentham, who passed to hooker Nathan Merritt, who dived over the line for a try.

James Mason converted to bring the scores level as the referee blew for half-time.

Salts came out with determination in the second half and their tactics worked better.

Sam Turner and Tom Lee enjoyed several good runs, but were unable to reach the try line.

Few scoring opportunities were presented until Willenhall were penalised 10 metres out, allowing Mason to kick the three points and give Old Salts a 10-7 lead.

In the latter stages, Salts were thankful as a penalty awarded against them sailed past the posts and they held on for a vital victory.

Old Salts are at home to Wolverhampton on Saturday, kick off 2.15pm.

Old Salts RFC Second XV 10

Pershore 17

OLD Salts missed out in a hard and physical game.

Dave Tuppen and Luke Turner scored tries for Old Salts.

Meanwhile, the Third XV lost 22-3 to Sutton, with Tom Findon scoring a penalty.

Salts fielded a number of young players including George Ward, who was named man of the match.