ALCESTER Rugby Club fell at the first hurdle in the national junior club competition.

But this was a much improved performance in a very closely-fought contest.

Alcester made several changes to the side that disappointed last week. Amongst these were the addition of former skippers Dickie Moore and Andy John to the front row, which helped stabilise both scrum and line out against strong opposition.

Alcester started the brighter and forced the home side back so that much of the opening exchanges were fought out in Earlsdon's half. From one Alcester attack, an Earlsdon infringement presented Alcester fly half Matt Gwynn with an opportunity to put the visitors in front from a penalty kick, which he calmly converted.

Alcester were unable to turn their domination into more points and slowly Earlsdon fought their way back into the game as their lineout finally got going after Alcester lock Mark Kilbride had pinched a number of Earlsdon's earlier throws.

They had two excellent try scoring chances in quick succession, but superb recovery tackling by the Alcester backs prevented a score. In addition, Earlsdon had three penalty chances before half-time, replaced by Chico Hack, forcing a reshuffle that saw Nick Thompson move to fly half.

Earlsdon emerged the more positive after half-time, but Alcester's defence held firm so that the home side rarely got within their 22-metre line. They had their veteran back row trio of Paul Clarke, Mick Weaver and Nick O'Connor to thank for this, in the main. Earlsdon did manage one further penalty conversion from two more attempts, however, to edge in front.

The final quarter of the match belonged to Alcester and they came very close to scoring on a number of occasions. Their best chance was when dominant forward play forced a series of penalties within 10 metres of Earlsdon's line. On the fourth infringement, Alcester felt as though they should have been awarded a penalty try, but the claims fell on deaf ears with the referee - one of a number of decisions that didn't go their way.

Alcester had a late opportunity to level the scores from a further penalty, but with regular kicker Gwynn sidelined, the kick was missed and with it went Alcester's chances.

Flanker Mick Weaver was voted man of the match for another all-round gutsy display and amongst others to catch the eye were scrum half Scott Carmichael and full back Robbie Parker who both had the home defence chasing their tales during several incisive breaks.

Alcester will take heart from this display. It was a performance that deserved a win and they will hope to repeat this display next week for the visit of local rivals Claverdon in the opening league match encounter.