Alcester 19

Stoke Old Boys 12

Alcester 19

Stoke Old Boys 12

A THIRD successive league victory for Alcester against Stoke Old Boys catapulted them to third in the Warwickshire One.

But it took a superb individual try by Alcester's left wing Robbie Parker to get the home side motoring against a stern Old Boys side who prop up the league.

Parker pounced on a stray pass from the Old Boys attack midway through the first half and avoided the dwindling defence to put Alcester in the lead.

And it was even better news for Alcester ten minutes before half-time as the visitors found themselves down to 14 men after a fracas in the Old Boys line out.

But on the stroke of half-time the visitors levelled the scores with a try of their own, proving they would not lie down for Alcester, despite their numerical disadvantage.

Ten minutes in to the second period Alcester got their second try courtesy of full back Chris Hall with Matt Gwynn converting.

Just minutes later Hall doubled his tally with another smart finish under the posts, which Gwynn again converted.

The Old Boys raised their game again in the final minutes forced their way over after a string of short range penalties.

Alcester coach Ron Crawley singled out tight-head Mark Kitchen as man of the match but praised all his team on a much-improved forward performance from the display when the sides met earlier in the season.

Alcester now face a month's break from league action, but will be in the fixture pool next Saturday.

Stoke Old Boys 2nds 8

Alcester 2nds 24

Alcester took the lead after a Shane Soal try in the first period and stepped up a level in the second to win comfortably.

Man of the match Martin Sergeant ran in two and Steve Wade made the game safe with Darren Gwillym converting two.

Shottery 48

Alcester 3rds 5

Alcester were put to the sword by a fit and organised home side, who always had the advantage.