Bromyard 17 Alcester 12
Alcester narrowly lost out in a tight contest in Herefordshire against a Bromyard side who have made an excellent return to this level, following last year’s promotion and now sit third in the league table following this win.
The home side took the lead inside the first few minutes of the game with a converted try, with the remainder of the first quarter of the game being fairly even, before Alcester were dealt a blow when the referee lost patience with the visitors and second row Nigel Burrows was yellow carded for one too many team penalties against his side.
With numbers reduced, however, Alcester still looked a threat and Owen Binns did well to score, despite being high tackled on his way to the line. Skipper Ed Gough converted well from wide out.
With numbers now restored after the end of the sin bin period, Gough had a chance to edge his side in front from a penalty awarded against Bromyard, but his kick dropped just short. The home side went better from their penalty attempt, just before half time, to lead 10-7 at the break.
The home side started brightest again in the second half and scored their third try in the opening minutes, which was converted.
The game continued to be even and midway through the half, Alcester hit back with their second try through Will Gough.
As minds and bodies started to tire, there were a few niggles creeping into the game between the sides, which eventually saw a yellow card for both teams, although unfortunately for Alcester theirs was for Burrows again, which meant he was red carded.
Shortly afterwards Bromyard were awarded another penalty, the kick from which dropped short of the posts.
When the home side had their sin binned player back, the visitors still posed the biggest threat and they thought they had scored when Alex Chiles raced clear to the try line only to be pulled back as the referee adjudged there had been crossing in the build-up.
Unfortunately for Alcester that was close as they got in the remainder of the game and had to settle for a losing bonus point.
Josh O’Connor was awarded the man of the match accolade for another boisterous performance in the centre.
Alcester have a week off now, before they return to action on 1st November, when they entertain Spartans in the Warwickshire Shield. Kick off for that game will be 2.15pm.
