Alcester 15 Tamworth 31

ALCESTER stepped up their preparations for their forthcoming Midlands Division Four West campaign with a second pre-season friendly against higher-league opposition.

Just like the friendly against Shipston on August 18, which Alcester lost 42-7, the match was played over four quarters of 20 minutes.

Tamworth, who are playing at two levels higher than the Kings Coughton side, scored early and the signs didn’t look good for hosts.

But they rallied and after Matt Ashby had put points on the board with a well-struck, long-range penalty, he forced his way over the try line following a period of sustained Alcester pressure in the second quarter to level at 10-10.

In the final two quarters, once again the greater numbers of the opposition counted as they were able to more frequently rotate their larger squad to good effect.

Tamworth ran in three more tries with Alcester’s response coming from a Ben Hope score, but his side had given a very good account of themselves and there were plenty of positives to take.

Alcester now turn their attention to their first competitive outing of the season and the small matter of a local derby at home to Claverdon in a Warwickshire Vase match on Saturday.

Alcester’s fixture with Tamworth had only gone ahead after their first-round Warwickshire Vase opponents, Keresley, were unable to raise a side and forfeited Saturday’s fixture.

Alcester are still on the hunt for new players to ensure they can put two sides out throughout the season.

Players who are new to the game or those returning to it will be made welcome and additional coaching support will be provided for those that are a little unsure about taking the game on.

Anyone interested can simply turn up on the training evenings (every Tuesday and Thursday) from 7pm or can contact head coach Keith Beech for more details on 07985 334388.

Alcester juniors return to training on Sunday and new players will be welcomed and supported throughout their introduction to the club.

The junior section trains from 10am each Sunday and interested parties can turn up then or can contact Mike Walmsley on 07776 164426.

Alcester’s junior section provides rugby in most age groups from ages six to 17.