Willenhall hold on for vital victory

The Shropshire visitors arrived at Bognop Road having recently beaten high-fliers Linley and Rugeley.

And they nearly claimed another top three scalp but saw their victory hopes end when they missed a late penalty.

Willenhall made a flying start with second row forward Arron Brownbill crossing for a try, which was converted by Sam Bowles.

Clee Hill responded with a drop goal and then nosed in front with a converted try.

Bowles landed a successful penalty to put Willenhall 10-8 up and they extend that lead just before half-time when centre Brad Smith outpaced the Clee Hill defence to touch down, with Bowles adding the extras.

Clee Hill came out all guns blazing at the start of the second half and made Willenhall pay for some defensive errors with an unconverted try.

But the hosts hit back with inside centre Lee Walton crashing over and Bowles adding another two-pointer to make it 22-13.

The visitors refused to throw the towel in and a converted try set up a tense finish that saw them miss a penalty that could have seen them head home with the points.

Willenhall coach Gavin Jones praised his side’s defensive work but acknowledged that there was still work to be done, especially with games against Linley and Rugeley on the horizon.

“Defensively, we showed fantastic spirit yet again, showing tenacity, but our line speed has got to be something we focus on in training,” he said.

Willenhall are five points clear of second-placed Rugeley, who benefitted from a home walkover against Essington.

Aldridge took the derby spoils with a 29-14 victory at home to Bloxwich.