Sat 9 Sep 2023
Manor Park 29 Alcester 26
Alcester narrowly lost out to the side they were promoted with them last season, continuing the theme of the tight contests between the sides of the last few seasons.
The game started with immediate incident with a Manor Park player yellow carded in the first minute of the game after dangerously leading with his forearm into Alex Chiles face.
The visitors took immediate advantage with Ed Gough jinking his way over the try line after some strong pod play in the run up.
Alcester were not able to further capitalise on their numerical advantage and when the player returned, the hosts got on top and after a period of sustained pressure, Manor Park levelled the scores.
Not long afterwards Alcester reclaimed the lead, 8-5, with a penalty in front of the posts converted by Gough.
With their tails now up, Alcester extended their lead when wing Alex Chiles went over and Ed Gough converted for a 15-5 lead.
Somewhat against the run of play, Manor Park narrowed the gap with another try before scoring again before the break to lead 19-18 with Alcester adding another penalty through Ed Gough.
The home side came out strongly in the second half and scored early through another try which was brilliantly converted from out wide.
Alcester narrowed the gap with two more penalties from Gough before the even nature of the contest continued and the home side sent over a penalty to extend their lead with the final score of the game.
Alcester host Earlsdon on Saturday for their first home league fixture of the season. Kick off is 3pm.
