Final Game Defeat for Walsall

Walsall 20 Berkswell & Balsall 26

Walsall’s final league game of the season proved to be another disappointment. The Delves Road team suffered their fourth successive defeat, while their opponents secured five vital league points. Thus giving the Warwickshire team a chance of avoiding relegation. The hosts produced a much improved performance and showed some real attacking intent. They were in the lead after just two minutes as Wootton and Pittaway made breaks before flanker Hickman broke through from twenty meters. Weston added the difficult conversion. But the visitors were committed to attacking at every opportunity and quickly taken penalties saw them draw level when flanker Cart supported a quick break. The strong breeze helped Berkswell gain some good field positions. They dominated a scrum close to the Walsall line and scrum half Bevitt-Smith got the touchdown. It was a similar scenario just before half time, but this time the ball was moved wide and full back Mitchener crossed near the corner flag. The second half saw Walsall do most of the attacking with the team showing much improved ball retention skills. Simpson,McGuirk and Benson were making several good ball carries. It was also a pleasing debut for Liam Taylor. The young Walsall Colt player was used as a replacement after the half time interval. A sustained period of pressure eventually resulted in Weston putting over a penalty. But a powerful Berkswell scrum proved decisive. It resulted in a penalty try which Mulcahy converted. The final minutes saw the hosts press hard and they reduced the deficit. Prop forward Gauden was driven over with Weston adding the conversion. He then ensured a tense finish when he put over a thirty five meter penalty.