Sat 12 Oct 2024
Alcester were beaten for the first time this season, after defeat in Leominster, but only after they were ahead at half time against a side that are unbeaten for two and a half seasons, and who have only not been promoted due to a league technicality.
Missing top scorer Mark Burrell, fellow wing Owen Binns and prop Sam Lear from the previous league game’s line up, Alcester took their time to get into the game and fell behind in the opening minutes of the game when the home side scored their first try for a 5-0 lead.
Alcester hit back and after a period of pressure near the Luctonians line they forced a penalty, which fly half Ed Gough converted to make the score 5-3.
Play moved end to end, until the visitors were awarded another penalty opportunity which again Gough converted to give his side the lead.
With their tails up, the visitors crossed the try line with a brilliant individual score from Dwayne Cruickshank. The full back kicked over the top of advancing defenders, before winning the race to the ball to hack ahead and then dive on the loose ball over the try line for an 11-5 lead for his side.
Gough added his third penalty in the closing stages of the half, but there was still time for the home side to add a converted try, to leave the score at 14-12 in Alcester’s favour at half time.
Luctonians came out with renewed verve after the break and put Alcester on the back foot. After a period of pressure near the visitor’s line, the home side scored out wide to regain the lead.
Alcester still looked dangerous on the break and after good charges up field by both no 8 Jack Green and prop Ieuan Hopkin, Alcester forced another penalty, but Ed Gough just failed with his attempt that would have levelled the scores.
Unfortunately, that was as close as it came in the second half for the visitors as the home side crossed three more times to take the game away from Alcester. The red and blacks were not helped by not having a full fifteen players on the pitch for most of the last half an hour of the game, with Ed
Gough, Josh O’Connor and replacement prop Tommy Wright all seeing yellow, at different times, with two home players also being sent to the bin for technical offences.
A plus point for Alcester in the second half was Freddie White becoming the latest former colt to make his 1 st XV debut when he came on as a substitute.
Alcester will be looking to dust themselves down ready for the visit of Droitwich for a league game for what is a big weekend for the Kings Coughton men, as they field three senior sides for the first time in 20 seasons. Alcester 3 rd XV make their bow at home to Shipston 3 rd XV, whilst the 2 nd XV head
east are in league action at Newbold.
