Evesham 26 Alcester 8
Alcester’s unbeaten run came to an end at their neighbours, who continue to be somewhat of a bogey side for the Kings Coughton men.
The first game between the two sides earlier in the season ended in a draw, which continued the usual theme of closely fought contests, and every expectation was that this match would follow a similar theme, which indeed it did for large parts, but in the end the home side’s extra physicality up front and accuracy of play at key moments, proved crucial.
Evesham took the lead early on with a converted try and doubled their lead in the second quarter of the game, just before Alcester lost full back Jamie Harland to the sin bin for a high tackle.
Despite being down to fourteen men, Alcester enjoyed their best spell of possession of the half, in Evesham territory, and they opened their account when Ieuan Hopkin powered over from short range, after a series of pick and drives from the base of rucks, by the visiting pack. Skipper Ed Gough hit the upright with his conversion attempt, to leave his side trailing 14-5 at the break.
Alcester started brightly in the second half and Ed Gough got some more points on the board through a successful penalty kick, after an Evesham infringement.
Unfortunately for the visitors, that is as good as it got, as the home side scored their third and then fourth and bonus point try in the third quarter of the game, to run out deserved winners in the end.
Alcester were on the front foot for the closing stages of the game, but despite Evesham being shown three yellow cards for separate infringements, meaning they didn’t have more than thirteen men on the field for the final 15 minutes or so, the visitors struggled to find any real cohesion to their play, and when they did they were met with stern home defence.
Alcester’s final league outing of the season is a trip to Old Leamingtonians on Saturday for a 3pm kick off.
