STRUGGLING Alcester cruised into the second round of the Warwickshire Shield after opponents Leamington Ford failed to raise a side.

The Warwickshire One outfit were hammered 25-0 in a hastily arranged friendly with North Mids One side Stourport.

Second row Tony Higgins had his first senior start for several seasons with Mark Kilbride suspended, coach Chris Burgess unavailable and Darren Craig injured.

Neil O'Dell replaced stand-in skipper Paul Clarke on one flank with James Doyle replacing Mick Weaver (knee injury) on the other side.

Centre Chris Hall was ruled out through work commitments in a weakened Alcester line-up.

Injured captain Andy Flynn has been told there is no cruciate ligament damage to his knee.

A specialist thinks he has suffered a cartilage tear and Flynn faces another six weeks on the sidelines in a bid to reduce the swelling or face an

arthroscopy.

Alcester's reward for their Shield result is a trip to Coventry Marconi, the side who put them out of last years competition and beat them 19-10 in the League this season.

Alcester entertain Birmingham Medical students in a friendly on Saturday (ko 2.30pm).

Clarke, Hall and Burgess hope to return with Weaver set for a place on the bench.