Sat 25 Feb 2023
Alcester 1st XV kept up their title challenge with one of their best performances of the season so far, with a comprehensive victory against Bromyard.
The visitors had proven tough opponents over the last couple of seasons in particular, and whilst Alcester held the upper hand in all encounters there was little more than a score in all of their victories.
The home side started down the slope in the first half and were soon in the ascendancy. Prop Kyran Flynn was the first to threaten the visitor’s line but was held up by the defenders he carried with him over the line.
It wasn’t long before Alcester did take the lead. A well taken line out was driven on by the home pack and hooker Max Biltcliffe was at the back to crash over.
The home backs took the opportunity, shortly afterwards, to show their skills, swiftly moving the ball to put right wing Mark Burrell in space who raced in for a smart finish. Tom Burgess converted.
Burrell doubled his tally shortly afterwards, showing the defence another clean pair of heels with a pacy run.
Fellow wing Ollie Hopkins set off on a now trademark “bowling ball” run, scattering defenders as he went, following a turn over Alcester had won from Bromyard possession. Hopkins offloaded to Jamie Harland who scored his side’s fourth and bonus point try. Burgess converted.
With the clock running down at the end of the first half, there was still time for Alcester to score their fifth try, and the best team score of the game. Another well taken line out was moved through the hands to the other side of the field and some intricate interchanges set centre Josh O’Connor free to complete the half time score at 29-0.
With the elements at their back in the second half, Bromyard gained the early ascendancy with plenty of possession, but a disciplined defensive effort, led by Alcester’s man of the match Lewis Wright, kept most of their play near the half way line.
The visitors did have a penalty opportunity but their kicker struck the post and Alcester were able to clear the danger.
At the other end of the field, fly half Ed Gough extended Alcester’s lead with a score in the corner after another good backs move.
The game moved into its scrappiest phase, approaching the final quarter, and the visitors were able to get on the scoreboard after Alcester spilled the ball in midfield and the ball was hacked ahead by a Bromyard player who won the chase to the loose ball to dive on it to score. The try was converted. Josh O’Connor was yellow carded having been adjudged to have tackled the try scorer late.
Despite being a man down, Alcester were able to increase their lead again, after a high box kick by skipper Will Silk was not dealt with the Bromyard defence and the ball was gathered by Burrell who ran in for his hat trick. Burgess again converted to complete the scoring.
This was a good performance by Alcester who were made to work for their win by the visitors, in their penultimate home game of the season. They visit Southam next week for their penultimate away game. Kick off is 2.15pm
