Sat 23 Nov 2024, 14:15
Claverdon won the local derby bragging rights, with victory in the tightest of league contests at Kings Coughton, played in wet and blustery conditions brought by the start of Storm Bert.
With wind and slope at their back in the first half, the hosts made a good start and took the lead through a try from centre Noah Birks following a strong carry at the heart of the Claverdon defence.
Freddie White converted before he added a penalty for a 10-0 lead. The visitors responded well with a pick and drive try from a short-range ruck by their forwards from their first period of sustained possession. This galvanised them and they remained in the ascendancy for a 15-minute spell, during which time they scored their second try out wide to level the scores.
When they managed to retain the ball for a period, Alcester took play down field and in the closing stages of the half regained the lead through a try from George Widdop, which was the final score of the half.
The home side lost prop Joel Barker to injury which forced the introduction of passive scrums before half time. Having faced the elements in the first half, the visitors used them to great effect, straight from the kick off, with a brilliantly struck restart, which forced a home line out near the Alcester line.
Claverdon kept the pressure on and got the try that their domination had threatened, which was converted, to give them the lead for the first time. The visitors continued to dominate, but they were kept out by some brave defence by the home side.
Alcester had to concede possession and territory for large periods of the second half, but whilst they remained within two points, they gave themselves a change and during a rare foray up field they forced a penalty within range, but James Widdop dragged his attempt just wide, in very poor kicking conditions.
The game remained without further score despite the visitors looking more likely, but in the end Claverdon claimed a deserved win as they played the conditions better than Alcester did, whilst the home side were left to rue some poor decisions in kicking possession away too cheaply.
Alcester 2nds are next in action on 7 th December when they visit the University of Birmingham Engineers 2 nd XV.
