Stoke Old Boys 24, Alcester RFC 14

ALREADY promoted Alcester finally ran out of steam and fell to only their third defeat of the season at fired up Coventry side Stoke Old Boys who still had an outside chance of going up themselves.

Stoke were eager for success as they were playing in front of their vice presidents but it was Alcester that started as the better side.

Prop Jack Horton's charge for the line resulted with second row Louis Smith scoring which fly half Josh O'Connor converted.

Stoke closed the gap with an unconverted try before Alcester increased the advantage to 14-5 by half time, O'Connor making the initial break for centre Jamie Harland to finish off, O'Connor again kicking the extras.

At this stage Alcester were still in with a chance of winning Midlands Division 4 West South as sources from Redditch revealed the Kingfishers were beating title rivals Bromyard.

But it wasn't to be. Stoke secured a second try following a fiercely contested period of play and Alcester never recovered.

Starved of ball, scrum half Robbie Parker and No.8 George Green had to live off scraps of possession as Stoke deservedly crossed the line twice more to seal victory.

Despite the defeat, Alcester have secured a second promotion in three seasons which represents a major success for all the coaching and playing members.

Alcester RFC will be staging their annual charity day on Saturday, April 29 in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind and Help for Heroes.

Gates open at noon when entertainment and refreshment will be available throughout the day which features an Armed Forces Invitation XV against an Alcester side which will include players from other clubs in the area.

STEVE Lowe secured the only try of the gamed as Alcester Colts defeated Bredon by a narrow 5-3 margin.