Rugby: Warwickshire One

Southam 24 Alcester 5

IN the first meeting of the two sides at 1st XV level since the Warwickshire Shield final nine seasons ago, Alcester slipped to their fourth league defeat of the campaign.

An early yellow card for Alcester full back Owen Phillips did not help their cause and the visitors felt further aggrieved when the game's opening try was awarded despite protests that the Southam winger had stepped into touch.

A penalty increased the home side's lead but Alcester hit back once they were up to their full quota.

The visitors were winning plenty of line-out ball and and it was from one of their own throws that their score came, fly half John Dover producing a brilliant individual effort.

Alcester dominated the remainder of the half but failed to add to their score even when their hosts had a lock sent to the sin bin.

Southam grabbed an opportunist try at the start of the second half before kicking a penalty.

As injuries began to take their toll on the Alcester side, the hosts kicked two further penalties and added another try to give the scoreline a slightly flattering look.

Alcester play host to Rugby St Andrews in a league game on Saturday (ko 3pm).