Brave Alcester go down fighting to Old Yards (From Redditch Advertiser)

Brave Alcester go down fighting to Old Yards

3:59pm Monday 11th March 2013 in Local Sport

Old Yardleians 50, Alcester 0

ALCESTER could not prevent Midlands Division Four West (South) leaders Old Yardleians from securing promotion, despite a battling display.

Without Robbie Parker, Will Harcourt and Matt Alderman, Alcester were grateful to see second row Dave Marriott return from injury and students Ben Hansen and Adam Beech back to bolster the ranks.

In the early stages the visitors Alcester surprised the home side, who have been beaten just once all season, with their commitment and aggression at the ruck.

Joe Sears at scrum half rattled his opposite number from the start and continued to be a thorn in the home side's number nine all game, while centre Jack Green was outstanding in defence with a performance that was another reminder to those who'll soon be judging the player of the season awards.

With the scores level after 15 minutes, the hosts burst into life as they powered into a 24-0 lead by half-time.

An injury to captain Ben Hope, who now faces a struggle to be fit for next week's key match against Keresley, disrupted Alcester, but with Brett Allard taking over as skipper the first 20 minutes of the second half proved to be Kings Coughton men’s best period of the game.

Ben Lunnon came closest to scoring for the visitors with a drive from a good driving Alcester maul.

But as the game entered the final phase, Yardleians piled on the pressure to open up tiring Alcester to extend their lead.

The Kings Coughton side remain third from bottom as Warwickian were beaten 48-0 by Harbury.

They can take a big step towards safety on Saturday when they entertain bottom side Keresley away on Saturday (3pm ko).

Meanwhile, the seconds were edged out 8-3 by Evesham’s third team. Paul Taylor scored a penalty for Alcester.

Alcester’s planned evening with the former Irish international Kevin Maggs on Friday has had to be cancelled owing to a rearrangement of Moseley’s Championship home game against Bristol to Friday night. It is hoped that this evening can be rearranged in the future.