Sat 14 Dec 2024
Alcester completed a comprehensive double over their Bromsgrove hosts, having also soundly beaten them at Kings Coughton earlier in the season, to consolidate their second place standing in the league table.
This result, together with Old Leamingtonians surprise derby win at neighbours Leamington, leaves the Bromsgrove side at the foot of the table.
Alex Kershaw became the latest player to step up from the 2nd XV for his first senior side start and he performed well throughout in the pack, which enjoyed the better of things to give their back line plenty of possession.
It was the home side that took the lead with a penalty kicked from in front of the posts and it took until mid-way through the half for Alcester to get into their stride, with full back Mark Burrell forcing his way over from close range after a great break up field by man of the match, James Lampitt, one of a number of strong carries by the winger throughout the game. Will Silk converted the try to give his side a 7-3 lead.
The home side were determined to match Alcester’s physicality which saw tempers boil over and a player from each side yellow carded, still only midway through the half. Shortly afterwards Silk added a penalty to increase Alcester’s lead and still whilst both teams were down to fourteen men, Alex Chiles exploited the additional space to race in from distance for the red and black’s second try, which Silk again converted.
On the stroke of half time Bromsgrove kicked their second penalty to narrow the deficit to 17-6 at the break.
In the early stages of the second half another good break by Lampitt took play to near the home line and Ieuan Hopkin powered over for Alcester’s third try. The conversion was just wide of the posts.
After being provider for two of this side’s three tries so far, Lampitt got on the scoresheet himself with his first try, Alcester’s bonus point score, which was converted for a 29-6 lead.
Alcester were dealt a big blow when full back Burrell, who has been in great form of late, joined the growing injury list with a suspected broken collar bone. Rich Udall came on to replace him for his 1st XV debut, slotting in at scrum half, with Will Silk moving to full back.
Jack Green and Josh O’Connor linked well in the centre, to send O’Connor in for his first try of the game, which Silk again converted, before the home side hit back with their only try of the afternoon, to narrow the scoreline to 36-13.
Chiles capitalised on a Bromsgrove fumble to race in for his second try, with Silk adding the extras, before O’Connor also crossed for his second try shortly afterwards with another two points from the boot of Silk following.
Lampitt capped a fine performance with the closing try of the contest, with Silk making it 7 successful kicks from 8 attempts to leave the final score at 57-13.
Alcester’s final game of the year is at home to Leamington on 21st December, with the match kicking off at 2.15pm.
