ALCESTER RFC claimed a historic 24-12 win against Old Leamingtonians in their first-ever game as a level seven club.
The Kings Coughton club made the perfect start to the season thanks to tries from Mark Burrell, Lewis Wright and Lewis Walker despite Dwayne Cruickshank’s first-half red card while Ed Gough added nine points from the kicking tee.
Victory at The Crofts means Alcester sit sixth in the Counties 1 Midlands West (South) table after one fixture.
Alcester repelled an early drive at the lineout from the hosts before launching a counter attack as Jack Green burst through the opposition line and found Burrell out wide who duly sprinted in from 25-metres out with Gough superbly kicking the extras from the touchline.
And the visitors scored their second try soon after as Wright powered his way to the line from Tommy Wright’s pass as Gough remained perfect from the kicking tee.
However, Old Leamingtonians kept themselves in the contest with a catch and drive score from a lineout to reduce Alcester’s lead to seven points.
Alcester then won a penalty after a high tackle on Green as Gough extended the away side’s lead with a well-placed kick between the posts.
However, Alcester player Cruickshank saw red for an off the ball incident shortly before half time.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Alcester struck at the start of the second period when Walker touched down in the corner following a fine team move but suffered an injury in the process as Gough kicked the extras.
Old Leamingtonians lacked fluidity before having a player sent to the sin bin as a long range penalty attempt from Alcester went narrowly wide of the posts.
The home side crashed over for a try late on with Alcester beginning to tire as the visitors saw out the game to secure an excellent opening day win.
Alcester are next in action away at Manor Park on Saturday, September 9 with kick-off at 3pm at Griff and Coton Sports Club.
