Alcester 10 Marconi (Coventry) 19

From the start both sides tried to play open rugby, with the defences holding out.

The bigger Marconi pack used their advantage to good effect, taking two strikes against the head in the first quarter.

The visitors pack also made good effect of the wheeled scrum to put Alcester on the defensive.

Despite the pressure Alcester held their own in the line out and the loose.

Excellent play by the the back row of Al Williams, Paul Clarke and Mike Weaver enabled Alcester to be on top in the first 30 minutes.

Despite the host's dominance Marconi broke away, sending over their left wing for an unconverted try to lead 5-0 at half time.

The second half saw the visitors increase their lead with a converted try before Alcester hit back with a well-worked try for winger Sam Vernon after good work by second row Pat Lamb and scrum half Scott Carmichael.

Alcester lost skipper Paul Clarke and scrum half Carmichael in quick succession to injury.

The visitors made the most of the enforced changes scoring a third try, converted to give them a 14 point lead with the same number of minutes on the clock.

The hosts battled on, led by Burgess, who was outstanding in the loose. Eventually the Alcester pressure told with full back Rob Parker linking well with flanker Mike Weaver to cross the line and reduce the arrears to 9 points. Man of the match: Grant Skidmore.