Yardley and District 0

Alcester 12

Alcester regained some much-needed confidence after recording a friendly win over Yardley and District - a team in the league above.

Brett Allard's men, who hadn't had a success on their travels since January last season, showed their intent from the start and were soon in front when flanker Phil Birks rounded off a good break with his first try of the campaign.

But Alcester was dealt a blow ten minutes later when lock Andy Taylor had to leave the field with a back injury.

The second half saw Alcester get a crucial second score as winger Robbie Parker set off on a trademark break up field supported by skipper Allard who delivered the telling pass to wing Gary Jilks to score and Tom Heneghan converted.

Alcester lost prop John Squires with blurred vision 20 minutes from the end and he was replaced by Dave Hemming as Alcester held firm to record their second clean sheet in three weeks.

Alcester entertain Trinity Guild on Saturday in a crucial encounter at Kings Coughton (KO 2pm).

Alcester seconds soundly beat Yardley's seconds 21-5 at Kings Coughton.

Alcester led 14-5 at the break thanks to tries from flanker Dave Mace and hooker Dirk Botha - both converted by Darren Gwillym.

Mace added his second try after half time, which Gwillym again improved, and although the home side always threatened to score more, they had to settle for a three tries to one victory.