Alcester 17 Old Leamingtonians 27
Midlands Three West (South)
TWO late tries denied Alcester victory in Saturday’s rearranged fixture against second-placed Old Leamingtonians, who are now 14 points clear of fifth-placed Alcester with just four matches remaining.
Frazer Jackson prevented Old Leamingtonians from taking an early lead with an excellent diving tap tackle which stopped the player on his sprint to the line.
However, Alcester’s Josh O’Connor was yellow-carded for an unfortunate knock-on whilst trying to intercept a pass which was deemed deliberate by the referee. With an extra man and after a series of penalties, Old Leamingtonians eventually took a quick tap penalty and scored as a result.
Phil Birks crossed the line soon afterwards to level the score and a superb conversion curled over in the wind by Mat Ashby put Alcester two points in front.
Alcester extended their lead through Steve Mason who had several defenders hanging off him as he dragged them over the line with him.
However, Old Leamingtonians scored right on the stroke of half-time to level the score.
The hosts’ Jack Green was next to score as he continued his prolific points-scoring form this campaign but the visitors were quick to level the score once again and then took the lead with an additional try a few minutes later.
Alcester started to pile on the pressure and spent a sustained period pushing closer to the line but a looping pass out to the wing was intercepted by a blue and yellow player who ran the length of the pitch to score between the posts.
Alcester could not recover from being two tries behind in the time they had left and, despite the game being even for most of the match, they succumbed to defeat.
The Kings Coughton side’s man of the match was front-rower James Bates.
Alcester host leaders Rugby St Andrews on Saturday.
MEANWHILE, Alcester’s head coach Keith Beech and assistant coach, Brett Allard have both decided they will step down from their positions at the end of the season.
Beech has been a coach for more than ten years at the club, including six years looking after the senior sides who have achieved two promotions under his guidance.
Alcester are also now playing at their highest ever level of rugby thanks in no small part to Beech and Allard’s hard work and commitment.
This means the club now has a vacancy for a senior coach or coaching team and anyone interested in the role should make contact with chairman Andy Flynn on 07923 436184 or via email at [email protected].
