Alcester 15 Old Coventrians 21
Midlands Three West (South)
ALCESTER had to settle for a losing bonus point from Saturday’s closely contested encounter against fellow mid-table side Old Coventrians.
There was little to distinguish between the teams in the first quarter of the game but it was the home side who took the lead with the first try.
Alcester’s lineout was functioning well and hooker Tommy Harris scored the opener off the back of a driving maul.
Alcester’s back row were giving them the edge towards the end of the first half but it was a yellow card for the visitors which finally led to a second try for the home side from skipper Jack Horton.
At 10-0 up the home side looked comfortable until a yellow card for Alcester let Old Coventrians back into the game, making it 10-7 at the interval.
An early score in the second half gave the visitors a narrow lead before scrum half Dan Marcus, who was excellent all game, broke to score Alcester’s third try.
Alcester were piling on the pressure in the closing stages until a second yellow card gave the visitors the advantage and they were able to regain the lead, which they maintained to secure victory.
Back rower Phil Birks was named Alcester’s man of the match ahead of Harris, who was outstanding on his comeback to the first team, who visit Old Leamingtonians on Saturday.
Alcester 2nds suffered another defeat as they were beaten 41-15 by Atherstone.
Alcester’s points came from Josh Phillips, James Bates and Stu Whitehead and Rich Harrison was named their man of the match.
The 2nds host Old Leamingtonians 3rds on Saturday.
