KERESLEY 5, ALCESTER 34

ALCESTER enhanced their Midlands Division Five West (South) title credentials after defeating high-flying rivals Keresley in one of their biggest games of the season.

The Kings Coughton men let loose with a six-try bonus-point victory, which saw them move above fellow championship contenders Birmingham Civil Service.

This was the best performance of the season by some distance from the Alcester pack, who forced back their opponents time and time again.

George Green, Ben Hope, Matt Alderman and Jason Richings were among those who impressed alongside stand-out performer and man of the match Louis Smith.

Alcester’s first try came from speedster Ryan Clark, who outpaced the opposition to finish off a fine break away move his back line.

By half time, Alcester had surged into a 22-0 lead with two tries from skipper Jack Green, a second from Clark and a conversion from fly half Glynn Smith.

A head injury to flanker Phil Birks, didn’t stop Alcester from piling on the pressure as scrum half Robbie Parker was involved with everything that Alcester did well, and it wasn’t long before the second-half tries began to come.

The first from hooker Harry Abell followed up in the last minute of the game by flanker Ben Hope. Smith was successful with one of the conversions.

This away win cemented their position at the top of the Midlands Five West South league table, although joint leaders Birmingham Civil Service still have a game in hand and remain favourites to clinch the title.

Alcester travel to mid-table Rugby Welsh for their next league action on March 7, but before that are in friendly action with Stourport their opponents next weekend (2.15pm kick-off).

Meanwhile, the Seconds were edged out 27-22 by Old Halesonians’ Fourths.

Jamie Miller, Lewis Walker (2) and Ed Benskin scored for Alcester but Old Hales rallied from a 15-12 half-time deficit to win the game.

Meanwhile, Alcester have been awarded BBC Coventry and Warwickshire’s team of the month.

Head coach Keith Beech is set to feature on the radio station’s Ruck ‘n’ Maul Show on Monday, March 16.

The club will once again be hosting their charity event on Saturday, April 25, at King’s Coughton, with more details to come.