Sat 24 Oct 2026
Earlsdon 34 Alcester 0
An under-strength Alcester side were outplayed by a well drilled Earlsdon side in extremely wet and windy conditions in South West Coventry.
Injuries forced a first ever start at prop for Toby Birks, who moved forward from his usual back five of the scrum position. His place in the second row was taken by former 2nd XV skipper Luke Spencer, making his first senior side start for several seasons and a first ever at lock forward.
After making his senior rugby debut a fortnight ago for the 2nd XV and impressing off the bench for the 1st XV last weekend, there was also a first start for 17-year-old flanker Zak Stephens, as well as 1st XV debut for wing George White, playing his first rugby of the season.
Alcester were dealt a blow before kick-off, when one of their replacements had travel issues and was not able to make the game, which meant they played with only two substitutes.
Earlsdon’s domination of the set phases of the game, proved pivotal in the conditions and their scrum was the platform for this victory with two of their five tries coming from push overs, as well as providing a regular supply of ball to their back line.
Alcester were not able to get a foothold in the game, but there was no questioning their commitment to the cause and they kept battling right to the end, but on the day were no match for their unbeaten hosts, who solidified their third place in the league table with this victory.
Director of Rugby Max Biltcliffe nominated wing James Lester as his man of the match.
Having played the top three teams in the league in the last three weeks, Alcester now host the fourth placed side and near neighbours Evesham for the last 3pm kick off of the year on Saturday, before start times move to 2.15pm from November.
