Once again, the spectators, at Delves Road, were treated to another entertaining game of rugby.
This local derby, was another game between two teams that showed a willingness to run and pass the ball at every opportunity. Initially, it was the visitors that monopolised possession. Indeed, nearly ten minutes had been played before the hosts were able to launch their first attack. But credit must be given to the Walsall team for their committed defending during this period. They were rewarded for their efforts after eleven minutes when they retained possession over forty yards before being rewarded with a penalty which captain, Adam Nunney converted from over thirty yards. Three minutes later the visitors open their scoring as they made a strong drive from a lineout with hooker Dean Ginn getting the touchdown. Walsall regained the lead after a sustained attack resulted in another Nunney penalty. The final fifteen minutes of the first half, saw the hosts produce some of their best rugby. A counterattack from their own half saw full back Toby Smith chip ahead and then win the chase for the try scoring touchdown. Two minutes later the hosts showed good ball retention skills which saw fly half Ben Pitt give a well-timed pass to the hard-working Max Hughes to run in the try from twenty yards with Nunney adding the conversion. Just before half time Walsall scored a superb try.
Once again Hughes made a strong carry before the ball was moved quickly by the Walsall backs with winger Max Brown making the final twenty yards run for the try. The visitors showed they were also capable of putting in some very effective attacks. Matt Smith, in their midfield, was making some strong breaks. He reduced the deficit as he touchdown under the posts for a try, which he also converted. But the hosts soon retaliated as they won good lineout ball, and a strong drive resulted in prop forward Callum Martin making the touchdown. Sutton came back with another try off a lineout drive with prop forward Chris Lamb scoring the try. A Ben Pitt break which, once again saw Max Hughes in support led to an easy penalty for Nunney to convert. The visitors soon got their next try as they moved the ball from a quickly taken penalty with Smith scoring the try and conversion to set up a tense finish. Walsall’s final points came in the final five minutes. The visitors were penalised for showing dissent, so Nunney stepped up to put over a well struck thirty-five yards penalty. The visitors then scored again through a Mortimer try and a Smith conversion. The hosts then, had to finish the game with some resolute defending to secure their bonus point victory. A victory that would have pleased the Walsall team management as they had three regular players unable to play because of injury.