ALCESTER RFC UPDATE - 05th September 2026
Veseyans XV 10 Alcester XV 50
Alcester made a good start to life under new Head Coach, Sam Verralls, with an encouraging win away against a Veseyans’ side that play at the same level, albeit in a different league.
Alcester have had a significant overhaul of their squad this summer with retirements and injuries meaning that only six of the side that won the Warwickshire Shield in May, were in action in this game, with the remainder of the side made up of some players that operated mainly for the 2nd XV last season and some new recruits.
Both sides agreed to a squad fixture played over four quarters of twenty minutes, and whilst the home side had players to rotate, Alcester travelled light and after illness and injury in the game, they were forced to play some of the contest with just the bare fifteen players.
Whilst Alcester struggled in the scrum, with Luke Spencer and Toby Birks neither of whom are front rowers, both having to take their turn at prop after Joel Barker went off, their superior fitness and cohesion out wide, was the main feature of the game.
The red and blacks scored eight tries through debutante Angus Aitken, Noah Birks, Ieuan Hopkin, James Lester, Ed Denby, Jamie Harland and two for Jamie Clarke.
Aitken also added two conversions, and joint man of the match Freddie White added three conversions. In the pack, another debutante, Alfie Armstrong, shared the man of the match accolade.
Alcester have two training dates this week at Birmingham Solihull on Thursday and Kings Norton on Saturday in preparation for the league campaign which starts on 26th September with the 1st XV at home to Barkers Butts and the 2nd XV away at Bishops Castle.
Alcester remain on the hunt for new players to bolster their numbers for all three senior sides they will be running this season. Anyone interested can just turn up at the club for a 7pm start on a Tuesday or Thursday training evening, or can contact Director of Rugby, Max Biltcliffe, for more information at maxbiltcliffe@icloud.com
