Sat 28 Oct 2023, 15:00
Alcester 2nd XV lost out in Saturday’s league game in Stratford, despite a much improved second half showing.
Skipper Luke Spencer, who has done a great job in compiling a side for each game of the season so far, had the luxury of a squad of 22 players for this game and the introduction of some from the bench at half time, made for a much more competitive second half.
The home side opened the scoring 10 minutes into the game, pouncing on a poor Alcester line out near the own line.
Before the half way point of the first half, former Alcester player Ed Benskin doubled his side’s account with a try under the posts which was converted for a 12-0 lead.
The home side scored a third try when their full back danced his way through for a well taken score, capitalising on a poor Alcester clearance, before another mistake, this time a very stray pass, allowed Shottery to latch onto the loose ball for their fourth try and a 24-0 lead.
On the stroke of half time the visitors got on the scoreboard through a well struck Glyn Smith penalty.
The introduction of several changes at half time, galavanised Alcester. George Green, playing his first game after several weeks off through injury, added direction and aggression up front and one of last year’s colts side Harry Roderick provided zip and variety to the attack from scrum half.
A good interchange of passes set skipper Luke Spencer free to race in under the posts, which Smith converted to bring the score to 24-10.
With the visitors now firmly in the ascendancy, hooker Kyle Derry was held up over the line, before a sniping run from the side of the ruck by Roderick and a Luke Spencer conversion brought the score to 24-17 and the come back looked on.
To the home side’s credit they regained control of the possession and territory in the closing stages. A long range missed penalty was followed by an attempted drop goal by Benskin as Shottery tried to move two scores away from Alcester.
They were held up over the line in their attempts for a fifth try, before they did get another score to close out a deserved 31-17 win.
Skipper Luke Spencer nominated Will Silk as his man of the match, with Harry Roderick also impressing.
Ollie Tabor and Liam Tallent, playing his first ever game of rugby union, made their Alcester debut.
