Sat 9 Sep 2023, 15:00
Alcester 2nd XV 19 Dudley Kingswinford 3rd XV 24
The sun was shining down on Alcester RFC as they hosted their first home fixture of the season.
The original opponents, Claverdon were unable to field a side, gifting Alcester the league win.
Thankfully Dudley Kingswinford 3’s stepped up and gave the hosts and the watching supporters a cracking game of rugby.
Alcester kicked off down the slope and managed to settle their nerves early one with a great defensive show, absorbing a barrage of hard hitting Dudley carries.
Winning the ball just inside the opponents half, Glyn Smith set of on one of his trademark runs, jinking through the defence before fixing the last defender to set up Luke Spencer to score under the posts. Smith added the extras.
Dudley switched on at this point and with some continued pressure, backed Alcester into their 22. What followed was a superb defensive effort by the home side as they absorbed wave after wave of attack.
To their credit, Dudley did manage to muscle over for the Try but were unsuccessful in their conversion attempt.
After a much needed pause in play to rehydrate, both teams were giving it all they had. A real dog fight ensued but it was Alcester who had the upper hand.
After setting up camp in the Dudley 22, Alcester lost James Bates to injury.
Following a quick reshuffle, Alcester were the next to score with Matt Stone driving over from close range.
In a similar fashion to their first Try, Dudley responded to bring the score to 12-10
With the sun in their eyes and playing up the slope, Alcester seemed to be the team most affected by the adverse heat.
A quick succession of uncharacteristic handling errors put Alcester on the back foot and Dudley were quick to capitalise on this getting themselves two unanswered Try’s.
Alcester recalibrated and brought the fight back to Dudley. What followed was a fairly even tussle, although lacking the fluidity of what was displayed in the first half.
In the closing minutes with victory sadly beyond their reach, Alcester did have the final word as Josh Kearney made a superb break to run it in under the posts. Spencer slotted the extras and that brought the game to a close 19-24.
It was a really encouraging performance from a relatively young, inexperienced Alcester side. Harry Roderick was awarded the man of the match for his outstanding work rate and his positive influence on the game.
