Table-toppers Willenhall humbled on home patch by title rivals

Though Willenhall scored first and were well in the game at half-time – trailing 21-14 – they conceded 34 unanswered points in the second half to lose 55-14.

Head coach Gavin Jones – whose side have a weekend off to regroup ahead of a clash with Market Drayton – said: “There was no lack of commitment, but Linley travelled well, with a very strong team and deservedly got the win.

“In the first half we were right up there with them, but unfortunately the second half just got away from us and Linley were ruthless in their finishing.”

The hosts raced into a first-minute lead thanks to a Brad Smith breakaway try as he sprinted 50 metres to cross the line. The try was converted by Sam Bowles.

After the restart, Linley piled on the pressure and it wasn’t long before they scored a converted try of their own to bring the scores level.

Prop Jack Davis powered over for a try after 25 minutes to regain the lead for Willenhall, with Arron Brownbill adding the extras.

However, that was when things began to unravel as Linley scored two converted tries before half-time to wrestle the lead.

Two more scores after the interval saw Willenhall’s heads drop and Linley punished them by putting them to the sword.

Elsewhere in Midlands Four West (North), third-placed Rugeley – who are five points behind the top two – hammered Market Drayton 43-3.

Sixth-placed Aldridge overcame rock-bottom Essington 29-8, while third-bottom Bloxwich slipped to a 33-14 reverse at Barton-Under-Needwood.