Sat 2 Sep 2023
Old Leamingtonians 12 - 24 Alcester RFC
The league rugby season kicked off with an entertaining encounter as Alcester RFC claimed their first ever league win over opponents Old Leamingtonians on Saturday. The day also marked a significant moment for Alcester who played their first game in the highest league in their history after earning promotion to Counties 1 Midlands West South last season.
The game in the opening stages was fought out fairly evenly, with both teams toiling to make an early impact. Old Leamingtonians launched a powerful lineout drive that brought them dangerously close to the try line. However, the Alcester defense stood strong, thwarting the effort and launching a counter-attack through Jack Green who punched through the opposition back line and swiftly moved the ball through the hands to wing Mark Burrell, who sprinted 25 meters to score the first try. Ed Gough brilliantly converted from the touchline.
Alcester's momentum continued as they extended their lead with Lewis Wright bulldozing his way over the line after a precise pass from Tommy Wright. Gough's conversion was once again on target.
Old Leamingtonians showed their fighting spirit by launching a well-executed kick downfield, forcing Alcester to concede a lineout. Capitalising on this opportunity, Old Leams executed a catch-and-drive, leading to a try that narrowed the score to 7-12.
Green once again proved to be a driving force on the field with another impressive break. His efforts resulted in a high tackle, allowing Ed Gough to continue his fine kicking form, as he slotted a penalty to extend Alcester's lead.
The reshuffling of players saw Josh O'Connor exiting the game due to injury, and Lewis Walker coming onto the field, movnig Dwayne Cruickshank into the center. However, the game took a turn when Cruickshank received a red card for an off the ball incident that sent Alcester down to 14 men for the remainder of the game but they took the lead 17-7 into the break.
Alcester continued to impress after half time, with Walker scoring a well-deserved try in the corner, follwing great teamwork and handling skills but Walker suffered a repeat of the injury that kept him out of the game for the whole of last seaon in the process. Gough again added the extras.
The home side struggled to get any continuity to their play, seemingly over complicating matter with ball in hand and conceding several penalties, which culminated in them eventually having a player sent to the sin bin. Alcester narrowly missed a long-range penalty attempt just inside the opposition's half during this period of the game.
Alcester began to tire and conceded a penalty allowing one last powerful surge from Old Leams to crash over but less than five minutes later the final whistle blew, seeing Alcester emerge victorious for a superb morale boosting win.
Alcester visit fellow promoted side, Manor Park on Saturday 9th September for their second league encounter of the season, in a repeat of the dramatic match from March where a missed last minute conversion ensured Manor Park emerged as champions.
