Red card proves to be Alcester's downfall - The Redditch Standard

Red card proves to be Alcester's downfall

Redditch Editorial 11th Feb, 2020   0

Stoke Old Boys 28 Alcester 21

Midlands Three West (South)

A RED card for Luke Spencer proved crucial as battling Alcester could not prevent a fourth successive defeat in Coventry on Saturday, writes Amy Flynn.

The visitors were firmly in contention to stop the rot but their reduction to 14 men midway through the second half proved too much for them to overcome.




Alcester outside centre Lewis Walker had opened the scoring at Albert Gale Field before Mat Ashby added the extras as he started what was to be a 100 per cent conversion rate on the afternoon.

Stoke Old Boys hit back almost immediately and scored two converted tries in quick succession to go ahead.


However, Alcester’s second try courtesy of Louis Smith brought his side back level and the score remained 14-14 until half-time.

In the second half, things turned bad for Alcester as Spencer’s red card for a high tackle forced the team down to 14 men and Stoke Old Boys were awarded a penalty try.

Taking advantage of the extra player, the Coventry side were over the whitewash again to extend their lead.

Nonetheless, Alcester tried not to be disheartened and scored a third converted try through substitute Jack Green but it was not enough and, despite having ten minutes left, no further points were scored by either team.

Alcester director of rugby Stu Phillips said: “After a couple of disappointing performances it was good to see the passion return to our rugby. I know if we continue in this vein then the results will follow.”

Alcester visit fourth-placed Ledbury on Saturday when title contenders Alcester 2nds welcome bottom side Harbury 2nds to Kings Coughton in Warwickshire League Three.

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