Sat 23 Sep 2023
Leamington 1st XV 36 Alcester 1st XV 29
Alcester came away with two bonus points from a narrow defeat in a fixture that would have seemed highly unlikely at league level not that many seasons ago, such was the gulf in standard between the clubs then.
Alcester’s rise in recent seasons and their performances in the first four league games of this campaign, underline that they are worthy participants at this level now.
The result in this game was all the more impressive, given their patched up side, which featured no fewer than 14 players who are usually forwards in their squad of 18, as some from the pack covered in unfamiliar positions to help with the injury and availability problems Alcester have in their backline.
The game was competitive from the off but was scoreless for the first quarter until Leamington took the lead following ground made by a driving maul from their forwards and then good hands through the backs to score, a try which was then converted.
The visitors responded through a try from tighthead prop, Kyran Flynn, who crashed over from short range after a number of phases and some good continuity of play. Skipper Will Silk took over kicking duties for the day but was wide with his conversion attempt.
An already injury hit side were dealt a further blow when lock Louis Smith suffered a really nasty cut to his forehead in an accidental clash which required hospital treatment and multiple stitches. All at the club wish him well for a speedy recovery.
Undeterred Alcester pressed on and took the lead through a try from back rower, Christian Rushton, which Silk converted to give his side a 12-7 lead.
The home side levelled the scores with their second try, just before the break for a 12-12 half time score.
Stand in centre, Lewis Wright, scored early in the second half to restore Alcester’s lead, which again Silk converted, before Leamington hit back again to level the scores through a converted try from their impressive driving maul.
The game continued to be end to end and Alcester were held up over the line in their attempts for a fourth try, before Leamington registered their bonus point score and quickly increased their lead with a fifth try and a commanding 33-19 scoreline.
To their credit, Alcester refused to lie down and Ed Gough narrowed the deficit with a smart finish to seal a try bonus point for his side which Silk converted.
The sides exchanged penalties before the end of the game to leave the scoreline at 36-29, which meant Alcester claimed a losing bonus point to go with the try bonus they had already claimed.
Ieuan Hopkins was named man of the match, whilst hooker, Jake Stephens Smith, stepping up from last year’s colts’ team, made an impressive 1st XV debut.
Alcester host Old Coventrians on Saturday 30th September for their fifth league fixture of the season which kicks off at 3pm.
