Sun 25 Feb 2024, 14:00
Alcester Colts 55-10 Oswestry Colts.
Alcester needed to keep the pressure on top of the table Upton-On-Severn, and they certainly did that with an emphatic bonus point win on Sunday. The withdrawal of fly-half Josh Williams during the warm up meant a reshuffle in the back line, with Harry Bonner coming off the bench to start at 10. Captained by Toby Birks in the absence of suspended Harry Williams, a strong start saw
Alcester built on recent performances developing the links between forwards and backs to secure the bonus point by half time. Leading 29-5 at the break with tries from Udall, Bonner, Magnall, Lester and McKeown, Alcester were always in control.
The second half saw a weakened Oswestry reduced to 14 players after a succession of injuries and two yellow cards saw both teams lose a man for ten minutes. Reduced to 13, Oswestry continued to battle, but by now Alcester were focussed on closing the points difference gap between them and Upton. Four more tries with one each from Noah Birks, James Lampitt, Toby Birks and Alfie Withers finished things off after a late consolation try for the visitors.
This was another excellent team performance with everyone playing their part. Notable performances once again from the big ball carriers in the pack, linking with a dangerous back line put several players in contention for Player of the Match, but the honour went to scrum half Rich Udall, whose quick and reliable distribution from behind the rucks created time and space for the receivers; everything the Coaches have been asking for.
Thanks to the extra man for the continued support from the touch line. It means a lot. We go again on Sunday 3 March, at home to Old Halesonians who are currently sitting third in the table on 48 points, with Alcester on 51. The Upton match was postponed so they stay on 48 points with a game in hand. Onwards!
