Walsall moved up to second in Regional Two after another try scoring spree at Delves Road. They also produced one of their best defensive performances of the season, as, for the first time this season, they denied their opponents a try. However their attack was rather hampered at times as errors and indiscipline contributed to a stop start game. Credit must also be given to their opponents for their commitment in defence and attack, which led to a competitive game, with the result not really reflecting the performance of the Ilkeston players. The hosts showed their attacking intent right from the start with Dan Carpenter making a fine break. He was well supported by lock forward Callum Hoy who broke through the defence from the base of ruck and scored the first try. Luke Chambers was next to get on the score sheet, with a great finish, showing speed and agility to go over near the corner flag after good use of the ball by Ben Pitt. Adam Nunney converted both scores.
The visitors then had a period of sustained pressure. They retained possession well, but some good Walsall tackling repelled all the attacks. Outside half Ben Pitt instigated the next Walsall score with an off load to his captain Adam Nunney, who showed great pace to go under the posts from thirty yards for the try, which he also converted. Late in the first half, the visitors had a period of sustained pressure and were awarded a number of penalties with the hosts being reduced to fourteen players for ten minutes after a yellow card was shown to prop forward Callum Martin. The visitors came their closest to scoring a try during this period. Unfortunately, their winger Joe Eves knocked on in the dead ball zone. However, they had a penalty advantage with Joe Finnamore adding the three points.

The second half saw the Walsall team have more control of their game, and their discipline! This led to tries from Kyle Reid after a well-placed grubber kick from Adam Nunney. The next try was scored by Walsall’s tenacious scrum half Dean Ainger rounding of a strong backs attack. Callum Hoy finished the scoring, sprinting through from twenty-five yards and taking opposition players over the try line with him. A seventh straight bonus point win, and eleven wins from the last twelve games for Walsall. This sees them climb up close to the top of their league.

This Saturday the team are involved in the semi-final of the Staffordshire Cup. Leek, who compete at level 5 will be the visitors to Delves Road.