Alcester 24

Coventry Tech 18

ALCESTER started their league campaign off with an impressive victory at Kings Coughton but lost two key players in the process.

Tech took the lead through an early penalty but the home side didn't have to wait long for their first score when resurgent left wing Martin Sergeant finished off a flowing move in vintage style.

Matt Bolton powered through a ruck of challenges to get Alcester's second of the game to take the lead to 12-3 at the break.

After the interval busy flanker Keith Beech, was sidelined first with a knee injury but the home side were still enjoying plenty of possession.

And Alcester made the possession count when lock Andy Flynn intercepted the ball and launched another attack with full back Robbie Parker crossing the line.

The home side were dealt another injury blow when skipper Brett Allard had to leave the field with a shoulder injury.

But Gary Gilkes replaced him and made an immediate impact, scoring Alcester's fourth try with his first touch of the ball.

Tech threw caution to the wind and scored a deserved first try of the game and with 15 minutes to go scored twice more to ensure Alcester endured a nervous wait for the final whistle.

Alcester will be hoping to get their injured players back for the visit of Warwickians for the first round of the National Junior Vase at King's Coughton (KO 3pm).

nAlcester seconds spoilt the party for Selly Oak thirds who were celebrating the opening of their new club house with an impressive 14-43 win.

Alcester edged the first half 12-7 thanks to tries from Steve Wade and Owen Phillips and a conversion from new skipper Grant Skidmore.

Wade was the star of the show after the break with a second half hat trick before Phillips added his second and Dirk Bokman also got in on the act.