ALCESTER looked a shadow of the side that had done so well in recent weeks as they crashed 36-10 to lowly Coventry Welsh in Midlands 3 West South.

The Kings Coughton based side were missing several regulars including skipper Phil Birks, who is out with a rib injury while full-back Jamie Clarke fractured his fibula in a friendly fixture over the festive period.

Facing a side they have constantly struggled against in recent times, Alcester began brightly with Ross Gard putting them into an early lead after crossing the try line.

Welsh then used their larger pack to good effect and once they'd scored the first try on 25 minutes, Alcester surprisingly went into their shell and looked a beaten side.

The Welsh went onto score six tries in total, while Alcester appeared reluctant to tackle after Josh O'Connor was sin-binned for dangerous play.

Even when Welsh went down to 13 players, Alcester proved unable to capitalise on the extra man and the only bright spot saw Jack Green secure a second try.

Alcester are seeking a friendly fixture for Saturday as their original opponents Dunlop have withdrawn from the league.

Alcester's Second XV entertain Stratford side Shottery.