Alcester 12, Coventry Welsh 12

ALCESTER were denied a third win of the season by a late converted try.

A point from a game they led until the the final stages did little to soothe their fears of relegation.

They have played more games than their rivals and remain second from bottom, two points behind Birmingham Medics.

In one of only a few local games that survived the weather conditions, the pitch at King’s Coughton field was unsurprisingly heavy as the visitors raced into an early lead, with missed tackles giving the Welsh men an easy score.

But the hosts bounced back and centre Ben Hope extended his arm far enough to reach and score. Moments later, flanker Jimmy Watson scored with his first touch since his return to action after three seasons away.

Fly-half Tom Alder brilliantly converted Watson’s try to give his side a 12-5 half-time lead.

The second-half was a very even affair with few chances for either side until the final minute of the game, when the visitors scored out wide with their first incisive break.

In difficult conditions under foot, with the ball near the touchline and most of the home support descending near to the visiting full-back’s kicking position, the Coventry Welsh kicker showed commendable temperament in striking the ball superbly to convert the try and earn an unlikely draw for his side.

Alcester’s next league game is a very tough clash at leaders Harbury on March 1.

Last week’s postponed Warwickshire 2nd XV Shield final has now been rearranged for Sunday, March 9.

The second string took on strong opponents Old Halesonians and lost 37-5, as they continued preparations for their big day.

Old Hales first team operate four levels higher than Alcester and their thirds would probably have made good opponents as they ran out clear winners, despite a determined home effort.

The King’s Coughton men’s solitary score came from veteran prop Jeff Williams.

The Colts Under-17s edged out Coventrians 17-13 to secure their first away win of the season.

Kyran Flynn powered over after a period of pressure near the home line and fly-half Sam Smith converted to hand Alcester a 7-0 lead.

The home side fought back in the opening stages of the second-half with their first try but Sam Smith finished off a good move to put Alcester back in front. Coventrians scored again but Lewis Walker bagged the winner.