ED GOUGH’S missed conversion meant Alcester finished the season as runners-up after they were held to a 15-all draw by Manor Park who pipped the Kings Coughton club to the title.
Gough was unable to convert Mark Burrell’s last gasp score as Jack Green crossed for Alcester’s other try whilst the former kicked five points with the boot at Heath End Road.
Alcester finished the season two points behind Manor Park in second, having already secured promotion.
Only a win would have taken Alcester to the title although they fell behind on 20 minutes as Manor Park scored the game’s first try which was crucially converted before they extended their lead with a penalty.
However, Alcester closed the gap to three points at the break when Green smashed through a tackle to score under the posts and Gough added the extras.
And Gough levelled the scores in the second half with a brilliantly taken penalty from just inside the Manor Park half to set up a grandstand final quarter.
The visitors then held up a Manor Park effort over the line before Gough’s attempted drop goal at the other end came back off the post.
And Manor Park looked to have secured the title with their second try late on as the home side punished a tired Alcester defence only for the conversion to be missed.
However, there was still time for Alcester to score a second try of their own as Burrell finished out wide for his 19th try in as many games this season with the title to be decided by Gough’s conversion.
The Alcester fly-half lined up the kick in silence and struck the ball well only for his attempt to fall centimetres short of the crossbar.
Manor Park celebrated being crowned champions whilst Alcester celebrated their own promotion with the Kings Coughton club set to play at the highest level in the club’s history next season.
