Sat 21 Sep 2024, 15:00
Alcester 2nds made it two league wins out of two, with a victory over their old rivals. The two sides played each other four times last season, each one was an even contest, and this first meeting of the new season was no exception.
Alcester has had a successful time in players making themselves available to the point they may even be able to field a 3rd XV for the first time in 20 years soon and had a squad of 28 players for this game. Shottery arrived short, so were lent a player in the first half and two in the second half, after an injury, to even the numbers up.
The early afternoon rain made for greasy conditions and difficult ball handling, so the first half an hour of the game was somewhat scrappy and a period of few clear chances.
James Lampitt thought he had broken the deadlock for Alcester but was adjudged to have been held up over the line, but a few moments later, and a week after his first-ever try for Alcester, Morgan O’Dell powered over under the posts, taking defenders with him over the line to give his side the lead. Skipper Luke Spencer converted.
Shottery did have a chance to reduce the deficit on the stroke of halftime, but former Alcester player, Ed Benskin badly scuffed his penalty kick and the score remained 7-0 at the break.
The home side made changes at halftime, with some senior debuts, and others returning for their first rugby in a while in Alcester colours.
Both teams spent time in the opening quarter of the half, with a player in the bin, due to persistent infringements, and in between times Alcester's replacement, James Walker rounded off a flowing move, only for his try to be chalked off as the final pass to him was forward.
Veteran Glyn Smith did score Alcester’s second try with a strong finish, which Spencer again converted, before replacement prop Gaz Morgan powered over from short range, for a 19-0 lead for his side.
Shottery got the score that their persistence deserved, in the closing stages of the half to leave the full-time score at 19-5.
Alcester 2s are in friendly action next weekend at home to Shipston 2s.
Alcester has had a successful time in players making themselves available to the point they may even be able to field a 3rd XV for the first time in 20 years soon and had a squad of 28 players for this game. Shottery arrived short, so were lent a player in the first half and two in the second half, after an injury, to even the numbers up.
The early afternoon rain made for greasy conditions and difficult ball handling, so the first half an hour of the game was somewhat scrappy and a period of few clear chances.
James Lampitt thought he had broken the deadlock for Alcester but was adjudged to have been held up over the line, but a few moments later, and a week after his first-ever try for Alcester, Morgan O’Dell powered over under the posts, taking defenders with him over the line to give his side the lead. Skipper Luke Spencer converted.
Shottery did have a chance to reduce the deficit on the stroke of halftime, but former Alcester player, Ed Benskin badly scuffed his penalty kick and the score remained 7-0 at the break.
The home side made changes at halftime, with some senior debuts, and others returning for their first rugby in a while in Alcester colours.
Both teams spent time in the opening quarter of the half, with a player in the bin, due to persistent infringements, and in between times Alcester's replacement, James Walker rounded off a flowing move, only for his try to be chalked off as the final pass to him was forward.
Veteran Glyn Smith did score Alcester’s second try with a strong finish, which Spencer again converted, before replacement prop Gaz Morgan powered over from short range, for a 19-0 lead for his side.
Shottery got the score that their persistence deserved, in the closing stages of the half to leave the full-time score at 19-5.
Alcester 2s are in friendly action next weekend at home to Shipston 2s.
