Sat 18 Mar 2023
Alcester RFC's season ended in a dramatic game against league leaders Manor Park on Saturday, with a last minute missed conversion being the decider between who claimed the title spot for the 2022/23 season.
In what has been nothing short of an incredible season for both sides, even the most imaginative scriptwriters would have struggled to write the game that unfolded in front of the several hundred supporters at the weekend.
Alcester needed to win the game to take the top spot, after securing promotion the week prior, with just two league points separating the sides, as the afternoon showcased just why both teams had been sat at the top of the table all season.
The home side took the lead after twenty minutes, via their second row who found space out wide, and the conversion added the extra points, which would prove to be valuable in the game.
A few handling errors amongst the Alcester side were keeping the visitors out from making any real advancement and before they could get on the board, Manor Park extended their lead with a penalty kick in front of the posts.
With both sides well aware of what was at stake, tensions were high and threatening to boil over with the referee speaking to both sides twice about tempers flaring.
Again, Alcester were hit with a handling error just short of the line but were rewarded minutes later as Jack Green smashed through the center to score under the posts, with Ed Gough adding the extras.
Alcester were relieved to get on the scoreboard before halftime which came just minutes after their try, heading in to the break with momentum and playing down the slope in the second half. Just three points separated the teams, 10-7.
The visitors came out with renewed energy and determination, stringing together some comprehensive phases and excellent play, with the sense that they'd be rewarded for their efforts soon.
Gough levelled the scores through a brilliant penalty just within the half way mark and all was still to play for in the final twenty-five minutes.
Both sides were denied of adding further points to the board, first as the Alcester defense held up a Manor Park try attempt over the line, closely followed by Gough's drop goal rebounding off the uprights.
Despite Alcester pressing towards the line and having a sustained period of pressure in their opponent's half, nothing came from that period of play.
At the opposite end of the pitch, Manor Park's full back started on what looked like an aimless run, as he ran straight across the width of the pitch, but he had spotted a tiring Alcester defense and offloaded to his winger to reclaim the lead. The conversion was missed, and there were five points in it in with just a few minutes left to play.
The visitors hadn't given up the fight yet and continued to press for a try of their own. Several attacking attempts were kept out by a determined Manor Park line, but Mark Burrell found space out wide to score his 19th try in 19 games this season. The scores were level, and the title hung in the balance of the final conversion attempt.
For the first time in the match, both set of supporters fell silent. Man-of-the-match Gough struck the ball well, with direction and power both good, but the ball fell just centimeters short of the crossbar, as the final whistle blew.
Heath End Road erupted into noise and applause. Manor Park celebrated being the champions of Counties 2 West South, and after a brief moment of disappointment, Alcester's support rallied round the team and celebrated the game of rugby they had just witnessed, with both sides able to celebrate their promotion into the league above, where they will face each other again in the 23/24 season.
Alcester thank their travelling support, as well as those that were sending their well wishes and good luck from home, and around the world. Plus those who have supported the side through their most successful season as they're about to embark on the highest level of rugby in the club's history.
