Alcester 2nd XV 52, Redditch 2nd XV 0

ALCESTER resisted the temptation to load their seconds with players from the firsts but were still able to pick one of their strongest line-ups of the season, which included ex-Colts Martin Gurr and Ben Hansen.

The hosts overwhelmed their local rivals, who themselves were understrength, and ran in eight tries to win back the Firefighters Trophy.

Playing up the slope in the first half, Alcester raced into a 26-0 lead by half-time, although they were dealt a double injury blow as both skipper Ben Lunnon and new player Adam Douthwaite had to be replaced.

They equalled their score in the second half and the game’s tries were scored by Gurr, Jake Grainger, and Robbie Parker, who all contributed a brace each, while Dom Evans and Josh Eborall also crossed the line. Gurr kicked six conversions.

For Alcester, James Skinner impressed coming on at number eight as he returned to the team for the first time in two years, while youngster Evans, playing out of position at full-back, was man of the match. Other notable performances were from Rupe Daffern at centre, Darren Gwillym in the second row and Gurr, who scored 22 points himself.

The firsts had been left frustrated as their game, picked up from the fixture pool, was called off by opponents Chaddersley Corbett, who were struggling for numbers, but left it too late to allow Alcester to organise any replacement match.

However, the first-team now go into an important league fixture against opponents Birmingham Civil Service at home on Saturday afternoon (2.15pm ko).