Alcester 11

Dunlop 22

ALCESTER slipped to a second successive defeat against a Dunlop side who will be looking to challenge for honours come the end of the season.

Alcester started brightly and were in front inside a minute as winger Chris Hall converted a penalty opportunity.

The Kings Coughton men increased their lead inside five minutes with Martin Sergeant adding to his season's try scoring account, with a good run and finish but Hall was just wide with the conversion.

Dunlop came back with a penalty to take the half time scores to 8-3 in the home side's favour.

And the visitors continued their points tally and took the lead early in the second period thanks to a well-taken try from the Dunlop inside centre.

A rolling maul try from the visitors increased their lead to 8-17 as Alcester replaced number eight Mick Weaver and prop John Squires.

Chris Hall managed another penalty conversion for Alcester before the visitors rounded off the scoring with a try to finally kill the game.

Alcester will be hoping to take the positives out of this performance into next week's visit to newly promoted Harbury for what is shaping up to be a crucial league encounter.

Fly half Andy Smith's ankle injury is likely to keep him out of action until late November

Before the game a minute's silence was observed in memory of Duncan Parker, a long standing club member who died earlier in the week.

Claverdon 2nds 13

Alcester 2nds 12

Alcester seconds managed to throw away a 12-point lead in the final quarter of the match against neighbours Claverdon, despite having enjoyed the better of the possession and territory throughout the match.

Scrum half Scott Carmichael barged his way over for Alcester's first with Rich Smith converting.

Alcester dominated the early, exchanges after the break giving Carmichael the opportunity to run in his second of the afternoon.

The Claverdon comeback started with two tries to move within two points of Alcester's lead.

Then with only seconds remaining Alcester conceded a contested penalty which the home kicker gratefully slotted over.