Sun 28 Jan 2024, 14:00
Upton Upon Severn 21-17 Alcester Colts
In a hard fought match between these two sides, at the top of the table, Alcester played a very good first half, but let the opposition back into the game in the second.
Alcester fell behind to an early penalty, but recovered well to shift momentum, after a try and conversion by outside half Josh Williams. A penalty kick took Alcester further ahead before a try out wide by centre James Lester, converted by Williams took the score to 17-3. Upton responded before the break and the first half finished with the visitors ahead 10-17.
In the second half Alcester lost their shape, and perhaps fatigue was the reason behind some poor decisions, giving away possession and field position at critical moments. Upton began to take control and they closed the gap further with an unconverted try. A penalty saw them take the lead 18-17, and then another took the lead to four points. Trailing 21-17 Alcester threw everything at Upton in the final minutes, but it wasn’t to be, with Alcester failing to score in the second half, allowing Upton to come back from 14 points down.
This loss will hurt, but it wasn’t through a lack of effort. The desire to win was clearly there to see, but travelling with a small squad, and with key players carrying injuries it was always going to be difficult. We have four games left, and if the entire squad responds positively to this loss, this could still be a special season. Alcester Colts are away to Burntwood on Sunday 4 February
