Sat 11 Oct 2025
Alcester 57 Droitwich 14
Alcester returned to winning ways with a third comprehensive home victory of the season so far, taking their try tally to thirty in the four league games that have been played this campaign.
Winger Jamie Harland led the try scoring exploits with four of his own in this game, following his recent return to action after two seasons out.
Starting up the slope in the first half, Alcester took the lead inside five minutes when Josh O’Connor crossed the line, before Harland opened his account with his first try. Skipper Ed Gough converted both of these scores for an early 14-0 lead.
Veteran Phil Birks made his to return to 1st XV action in this game, alongside his sons Noah, the day before his 18th birthday and Toby, the latter of which replaced his Dad midway through the first half to give the older Birks a breather before he returned to action in the second half.
Somewhat against the run of play Droitwich opened their account with a converted try, before Harland was on the scoresheet again with his second try to leave Alcester 19-7 ahead with half an hour of the game played.
Before half time Alcester scored two more tries. The first, their bonus point score, came following good work by the juggling Josh O’Connor who did well to maintain possession under pressure, before the ball was sent wide to flanker, Will Gough to score. The final try of the half came from prop Ieuan Hopkins following good work by second row Ethan Moll. Ed Gough converted both tries to leave his side ahead 33-7 at the break.
The visitors resumed action with increased purpose, and forced Alcester into a number of infringements which culminated in Will Gough being yellow carded as referee Martin Nailor finally ran out of patience with the home side. Droitwich made the most of their numerical advantage to cross for their second converted try.
When Will Gough returned and with their full team contingent restored, Alcester scored the team try of the game after Alex Chiles rounded off some excellent play by the home side. Ed Gough brilliantly converted from the touchline.
Minutes later Jamie Harland scored his hattrick try before five minutes later he also added his fourth try.
The scoring was rounded off by the returning Owen Binns. Ed Gough converted one of the final three tries to leave the final score at 57-14.
Alcester are back on their travels on Saturday when they visit old adversaries, Bromyard. The Herefordshire side have made a good start to their campaign following their promotion at the end of last season and have an identical record to Alcester, with three wins out of four games played. Kick off is 3pm.
