Sat 3 Feb 2024, 14:15
Malvern 3rds 24 - 45 Alcester 2s
With Claverdon calling off the second team league fixture awarding the win to Alcester, they were still hungry for a game and it resulted in a trip to Malverm.
Having come so close to victory the week before, the men in red and black knew that starting the game well against Malvern 3rds was crucial if they had any hopes of getting a result. Alcester settled into the game positively, looking sharp and well structured. However, this was matched by an equally sharp, hard tackling Malvern side who didn’t give an inch.
The opening 20 minutes was evenly fought with nothing to separate the two teams but it was Alcester who broke the deadlock with the opening try coming from skipper Luke Spencer. At this point the away side found an extra gear and were thoroughly deserving of their additional first half tries which came from Ollie Pittaway and Paul Gardner. Malvern kept their composure and reminded Alcester that the contest was far from over. The home side managed to bag themselves two tries, narrowing the gap before half time.
Malvern kicked off the second half, and Spencer caught the ball deep into the 22. Under pressure from the advancing players, Spencer chipped it over the top to then regather the loose ball and run the distance to finish under the posts. From this point Alcester turned the screw and battled hard to further cement their lead and turn their dominance into points.
Josh Ellis and Ollie Tabor both scored tries off the back of excellent work from the forwards who themselves were punching holes and making valuable meters. Not to be outdone, Jim Watson kicked a loose ball forward and managed to strip his opponent of possession to run in for a try of his own. Malvern did manage to score a couple of tries in the second half, but they were mere consolation. Alcester 2s closed the game out with smart decisions and cool composure to win the contest 45-24.
Man of the match was Jack Clay for an outstanding debut.
