Alcester 3, Manor Park 19

ALCESTER were no match for Midlands Division Four West (South) leaders Nuneaton, who maintained their 100 per cent record.

During a fiercely fought contest, the outcome hung in the balance until well into the final quarter of the game. While the visitors deserved their win, the scoreline flattered them and Alcester felt they deserved more from the game.

Manor Park have been regular opponents for Kings Coughton, but this was their first time at Alcester’s home in two years following last season’s relegation.

Without a league win in four games, the hosts knew they had to up their game.

The visitors opened the scoring with a classically well-worked try.

However, Matt Ashby scored a penalty for Alcester to make it 5-3.

But Manor Park showed why they are riding high at the top of the table, by clinically taking the scraps of chances on offer and scoring two tries in the closing stages.

Alcester side now have a week away from league rugby to prepare for the important local derby encounter at Redditch on December 5.

The seconds travelled to play Malvern thirds with only nine players, despite skipper Rup Daffern’s efforts to put a full side out and a suffered defeat.