Sun 4 Feb 2024, 14:00
Burntwood Colts 28 - 38 Alcester RFC Colts
Keen to keep the pressure on top of the table Upton, Alcester travelled to Burntwood eager to collect a bonus point win. Another strong start through tries from captain Harry Williams, hooker Ed Denby and centres James Lester and James Lampitt secured that bonus point before half time. Josh Williams kicked two conversions taking the half time score to 24-7, and Alcester looked comfortable.
The scrum and line out, performed well and a physicality around the breakdown ensured the forwards created a platform for the backs to exploit. With regular scrum half Rich Udall injured, Josh Williams and Noah Birks combined well as half backs, and a more connected defence than in recent matches kept the hosts out for much of the first half.
Momentum shifted after a red card for Alcester captain Harry Williams just before half time, and a blood injury in the front row led to uncontested scrums requiring Alcester to drop to 13 players at the start of the second half.
However, it was Alcester that scored next through Noah Birks, with the conversion taking the score to 31-7. Burntwood then took full advantage of superior numbers and came back into the game with some powerful running into the newly created space. They exploited the opportunity and closed the gap with two converted tries of their own. At 31-21 and back up to 14 players, a chip and chase by Josh Williams claimed Alcester’s sixth try, and the conversion took the score to 38-21.
A yellow card in the closing minutes took Alcester back down to 13 and Burntwood scored their fourth try, picking up a bonus point, converting with the last kick of the game to bring the final score to 38-28.
Alcester showed their characteristic determination again this week, but mental and structural discipline will need to be better when we entertain Oswestry and Old Halesonians in coming weeks. With Upton losing at Oswestry the gap at the top of the table is only two points, with three matches left to play.
Player of the match was Edward Denby for his all-round performance today, in the contact area and in the loose.
