ALCESTER skipper Andy Flynn has been forced to hang up his boots after admitting defeat over a long-term knee injury.

Flynn suffered the recurrence of a cruciate ligament injury against Coventry Welsh in the second match of the season.

He suffered the same injury three years ago and feared the worst after it went again.

Initially the prognosis was bright and Flynn was hoping to return for the Boxing day fixture against Alcester Grammar School Old Boys.

But days before the fixture he was told the injury was not responding and his worst fears were finally confirmed last week after another trip to the specialist.

"I need operations on both knees," said Flynn.

"I just need pins taken out of the right knee but it's the left one which is the problem.

"If it was a first time injury they could patch me up but I've lost confidence in it so I'm afraid I'm having to call it a day."

The news is a blow to Alcester who have spent almost an entire season struggling without their captain.

And to deepen the gloom, stand-in skipper Matt Gwynn's season looks to be over after he suffered knee ligament damage in a win over Midlands Three West South neighbours Kings Norton on Saturday.

Fly half Gwynn is the sixth Alcester player this season to suffer a serious knee injury and number eight Paul Clarke must be fearing the worst as he prepares to be Alcester's third leader this season.

Alcester were supposed to take on bottom club Pinley on Saturday but two of the visiting players were trapped in their cars with superficial injuries after a crash on the way to Kings Coughton.

A friendly against Kings Norton, who are struggling two divisions higher, saw Alcester triumph 22-19.

Alcester visit third-placed Coventry Marconi on Saturday (ko 2.30pm) with Taffy Handley doubtful after picking up a rib injury at the weekend.

Martin Sargent (work), Mick Weaver, John Dover (holiday) and Robbie Parker (back injury) all returned at the weekend.

And Flynn was boosted by the return of two familiar faces, winger Owen Phillips returned after a year in Australia and flanker Chas Kay made his first appearance of the season after breaking his arm at the end of last season.

Centre Nick Thompson is set to return after work commitments.