Sat 18 Jan 2025, 14:15
WARWICKSHIRE LEAGUE
Alcester 2nd XV 38 Southam 2nd XV 7
Alcester 2nds made it a good first weekend of action in 2025 for the club, when they also completed their own league double over Southam, following up their away win against the same opponents from earlier in the season.
But it was the visitors, playing down the slope in the first half and with a considerable size and weight advantage in most positions, who started best and they came close to taking the lead on 15 minutes as their big centre crashed through several tackles on his way to the line only to be ripped of the ball by Harry Roderick as he crossed the line.
Alcester were dealt a blow when number 8, Toby Birks, was yellow carded for a dangerous clear out at a ruck and the visitors took full advantage of their extra player to cross for the opening try which was converted.
When Birks returned he was instrumental in setting ever energetic flanker, Ed Denby, free and the young open side raced clear to the line, for his side’s opening score which skipper Luke Spencer converted.
In the closing stages of the half Harry Roderick darted over for his side’s second score and a half time lead of 12-7.
With the slope at their back in the second half and with their scrum belying the opponent’s weight and bulk advantage, to put Alcester on the front foot, the home side were soon in control. Toby Birks crossed for a try, before skipper Luke Spencer added two tries and two conversions to give his side a healthy 31-7 lead.
Toby Birks added his second, and his side’s sixth try which Spencer also converted, which ended up being the final score at 38-7 as the referee called time on the game around 15 minutes early as Southam had lost a few players to injury by this time.
Skipper Spencer singled out several performances in his summary of the game.
George White impressed on his debut, whilst at the opposite end of the experience scale, fly half Robbie Parker was his usual reliable self as he celebrated his 48th birthday.
Charlie Rose gave his most confident performance in an Alcester shirt so far, whilst fellow teenager Olly Saneie Khansari looked at home as he moved position to play in the pack for the first time.
Spencer nominated prop Joel Barker, as his man of the match, though for a good performance in both defence and attack.
Alcester visit near neighbours Shottery next weekend for a rearranged league game from the one frozen off earlier in the month.
