Old Hales take a hit in their title hopes

Old Halesonians were dealt a huge blow in their challenge at the top end of National Three Midlands with a 31-20 defeat against Hinckley.

The loss leaves Hales in third, 11 points behind second-placed Scunthorpe, and 15 off league leaders Hinckley, with just four games left to play.

Old Halesonians will look to get back to winning ways at Lichfield on Saturday, while Stourbridge return to action in National Two North at Tynedale.

In Midlands One West, both Dudley Kingswinford and Walsall return to action after a free weekend.

Rock-bottom Walsall travel to Whitchurch, while Dudley Kingswinford host Kenilworth. Kidderminster surrendered a 24-0 lead to draw at Veseyans in Midlands Two West.

Chris Pinner slotted over a penalty for an early lead. George Morgan then scored close to the posts after an impressive display of pace and power, and Pinner made a simple conversion.

Rich Sollom then touched under the posts, with Pinner adding another conversion. Arthur Morgan got a try of his own, with Pinner at it again to stretch the lead to 24-0.

The scoreline was a fair reflection of Kidderminster's dominance in the first half, but poor discipline and sloppy handling let them down in the second.

They will play Veseyans again on Easter Saturday, in the semi-final of the North Midlands Shield, but before then face promotion-chasing Saltieans at Marlpool Lane this Saturday.

Stourbridge Lions, who had their fixture with Moseley Oak postponed last weekend, go up against Veseyans. Also, Stafford make the trip to Camp Hill, and Wolverhampton face Moseley Oak.

In Midlands Three West, Cannock suffered a massive 46-5 defeat against Clee Hill. They are now seventh in the table and host Edwardians, who are one place above them, next.

Win-less Bloxwich face Newcastle, and fellow strugglers Wednesbury go up against table-topping Tamworth. Burntwood play Ludlow, and Willenhall welcome Cleobury Mortimer to Bognop Road.

Lowly Aldridge are in for a tough test against Telford Hornets, and Rugeley face Aston Old Edwardians in Midlands Four West.