ALCESTER'S title charge in Midlands Division Four West South hit the buffers this week when they lost 10-3 to a big and physical Coventry Welsh side.

That was after Alcester had started brightly enough and should had put some early points on the board.

Right winger Tom Goddard spilt the ball when going over the try line while fly half Max Biltcliffe had a penalty shot drop just short of the crossbar.

The sizeable Welsh pack began to take charge as the game progressed and it took some excellent work from back row forwards Mika Pieri and Phil Birks who managed to hold the ball up after the hosts drove over the line.

Welsh did managed to take the lead when their winger raced over under the posts for a converted try to secure a 7-0 lead by half time.

Alcester's prospects weren't helped with the loss of Biltcliffe and full back Will Silk to injury, but replacement kicker Josh O'Connor did manage to cut the deficit with a penalty.

But the Welsh pack soon resumed the ascendancy and were again held up over the line as Alcester's defence led a charmed life.

Alcester struggled to get any foothold in the game and suffered a further setback when O'Connor was yellow carded with Welsh kicking the resulting penalty to seal victory.

Although Alcester still remain top of the table, second placed Bromyard have now moved to within striking distance with six games remaining.

Alcester attempt to bounce straight back when they entertain Harbury at Kings Coughton this Saturday (2.15pm) which also coincides with chairman Jeff Williams' annual lunch.

The Second XV lost out 12-5 to Dixonians at Rowheath. They entertain Chaddesley Corbett this Saturday (2.15pm).