Alcester Colts 0 Pershore 16

COLTS lost a close encounter against neighbours Pershore by two tries and two penalties. Playing down the slope in the first half, Alcester conceded a bizarre try when from a penalty at goal the Pershore kicker completely miscued only to see the ball ricochet off two Alcester players and the wing following through to score an unconverted try.

Despite this setback the Alcester forwards drove the Pershore pack backwards, Joe Alexander, Neil Chadwick and Steve Rose being prominent in these forays.

Despite the pressure exerted by the hosts, Pershore increased their lead through a penalty to lead 8-0 at the interval.

The second half continued in much the same vein with both teams running the ball at every opportunity.

Midway through the half an unsavoury moment in an otherwise clean game saw the Pershore prop sent off for use of the fist by referee Andy Hicks.

Despite being down to ten men, Pershore continued to attack the Alcester line and but for some sterling defence by the Alcester cen-tres of Richard Clayton and Karl Howard Pershore would have increased their lead.

Eventually Pershore pressure told with Alcester conceding a penalty and a late try.

Players to catch the eye included prop Ashley Warmington, hooker James Daffern and debutant fly half Peter Walford.

On Sunday Alcester host Old Leamingtonians (ko 11am).

Alcester are always looking for new players.

If you are between 16 and 18 why not turn up at the Club on Thursday evenings at 7pm for training or look at the website www.alcesterrfc.co.uk