Sat 26 Oct 2024
Evesham 34 - 10 Alcester 1st XV
A depleted and injury-stricken Alcester fell short to local rivals Evesham on Saturday, 34-10.
With five changes from last week’s winning line-up against Droitwich and an unfortunate pre-match injury to fly-half Ed Gough, Alcester fielded an altered side and struggled from the outset.
Alcester’s defence was tested early when a penalty for a high tackle gave Evesham the chance to kick to the corner. From the ensuing 5m lineout, a well-executed catch-and-drive allowed them to take an early lead with a converted try.
Evesham continued to pile on the pressure, eventually breaking through for another try, bringing the score to 12-0.
Evesham earned another penalty and opted to kick to the corner, raising concerns for Alcester of a repeat of the first try. However, the visitors managed to steal the ball at the line-out and cleared it from danger.
Building momentum, Alcester began to apply pressure, eventually forcing a yellow card for Evesham. They were eventually awarded a penalty, which Will Silk kicked to secure their first points, bringing the half-time score to 12-3.
In the second half, Alcester conceded an early penalty but soon fought back as James Lampitt crossed the line in the corner, offering a glimmer of hope for the visitors. Dwayne Cruickshank’s successful conversion brought Alcester within reach, shifting the momentum at 15-10
Unfortunately, injuries to key players — Cruickshank off for a blood injury and Sam Lear replaced by Andy MacDougall — proved challenging for Alcester. Despite determined efforts, Evesham’s scrum-half exploited gaps to score his brace, extending the lead to 22-10.
Alcester’s injury woes deepened and the defensive line struggled under Evesham’s relentless attack. A final try from Evesham sealed the game at 34-10, with Alcester unable to match their opposition’s physicality, not before a yellow card was shown to either side.
With no game scheduled next week, the break offers Alcester some much-needed recovery time to hopefully be ready to return with fresh legs and renewed determination.
