TOP of the table Old Halesonians were far from happy following their 29-10 beating of bottom side Bedford Athletic.

They made heavy weather of brushing Bedford aside and had to wait until the closing stages before wrapping up the bonus point keep themselves on top of National Three Midlands.

Team boss Simon Hussey said: “We didn’t play well at all and took all the wrong options. “We will have to play much better than this when we go to Bournville this Saturday, otherwise we’ll be in trouble.”

Hales began well enough, scoring a try within two minutes of the kick-off.

The ball was whipped out of a driving maul for centre Andy Robinson to race clean through and score near the posts. Full-back Chris Hooper added the extras.

But Hales failed to build on this fine start and spent much of the period pegged back inside their own half before Bedford were rewarded with a try in the corner from Luke Levitt.

Hales hit back right on half time, skipper Rich Taylor being driven over by his pack for an unconverted try.

A second try from Holloway on 50 minutes put Hales 17-5 in front, but Bedford refused to lie down and impressive full-back Will Affleck outpaced the defence for a try.

It took Hales 75 minutes to finally bag the bonus point score when winger Luke Smith sprinted over.

A further try soon followed when stand off Steve Powell forced his way over and Hooper provided the extras.

More worrying for Hales was the injuries picked up by Carl Robinson, and Tom Jordan ahead of the trip to Bournville, but centre Pete Clifford and new recruit from Dudley Kingswinford Dan Blake should be available.

Meanwhile, the thirds produced their eighth straight win by beating Old Yards Seconds 24-14, thanks to two tries from Craig Jukes and another from Matt Weaver while Jonny Kew kicked the remaining points.