Birmingham Civil Service 22, Alcester 34

ALCESTER er continued their fine start to the Midlands Division Four West (South) with their second bonus-point win in a row.

Without back row stalwart Phil Birks, Fijian No.8 Meka Pieri stepped up for his first game of the season and collected the man of the match award after two crucial tries.

The hosts started much the better with an early penalty, followed by the game's first try of the game to lead 10-0 after 20 minutes the first quarter.

Alcester were far from their best and appeared to be struggling again against the team that pipped them to the Division Five league title in Division Five last season.

The introduction of Pieri and Geraint Hill added aggression and pace to the team.

Back row forward Jamie Clarke charged through to close the gap with a try, which was converted, and minutes later Alcester were ahead when winger Jake Grainger sped in at the corner to make it 12-10.

Poor discipline allowed Civil Service back in to the match with two converted penalties putting them 16-12 up at half time.

Another penalty saw the hosts stretch their lead before Alcester speedster Alex Chiles crossed over to make it 19-17.

Then Pieri grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck with two fine tries in ten minutes to put his team ahead.

Flanker Ben Hope added a fifth try, which he converted himself, to secure the win, complete with another bonus point.

Alcester now have a one-week break from league action for one week and are due to host Warley in a friendly on Saturday.

l THE Seconds lost 36-19 at home to their Kidderminster Carolians counterparts.

The fitter visitors though that dominated the opening half running in for unanswered tries for a 22-0 half-time lead.

Fearing another heavy defeat, Alcester rupped their game in the second half and outscored Carolians three tries to two.

Alcester’s scores coming from Ollie Morrison, Elliott Evans and Sam Fell, with Matt Ashby adding two conversions.

The seconds travel to local rivals Claverdon this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Under-16s went down 41-5 at Kenilworth.

Alcester did not start well and were three tries and 19 points down inside the first quarter of the game, but they steadied in the remainder of the half and came closest to scoring when Kody Turner was only thwarted by a well-timed tackle by the home full back.

The second half proved to be a much closer affair with Alcester competing from the kick-off.

Injuries to Adam Currien, Steven Coe, Reiss Bassett and Harry Adams stretched the Alcester squad stretched to capacity and meant that Matty Stone, who was already carrying a knee injury, had to fill in.

Four more tries for Kenilworth ended Alcester’s resistance but Turner did score a consolation touchdown.