ALCESTER RFC are still searching for their second win of the new year after narrowly losing out 12-10 to Burbage on Saturday.

The game at Britannia Road was a frustrating encounter for the visiting side who found themselves under strength due to the absence of a few key players meaning others were playing out of position. Max Biltcliffe made his first ever start at hooker for Alcester despite his usual spot being in the back row.

It was the second game that the two teams have played which has ended in a very close encounter. In the reverse fixture earlier in the season, Alcester won with a last minute converted try to take the honours 31-24.

Alcester took the lead in this game with an Ed Gough penalty but not long after they turned down another kickable penalty, attempting to go for a try but possession was turned over.

The game was very scrappy and poor quality from both sides, the penalty count was high but nothing more came of the first half as Alcester took the lead 3-0 into the break.

Alcester’s pack did well against a much bigger scrum from their Leicestershire opponents and despite winning plenty of ball the team did little to capitalise on it.

Burbage scored fairly early in the second half after their forward crashed over the white wash after exploiting an Alcester mistake.

The home side increased their lead on the 60-minute mark meaning Alcester were chasing the game from then on in.

Ben Hope gave his side some hope as he scored in the closing minutes of the game and despite the conversion being successful there was not enough time for Alcester to close the two-point gap and had to settle for a losing bonus point.

Alcester welcome Coventry Welsh to Kings Coughton next weekend and expect a good support turn out as they host their Volunteers’ Lunch.

The 2nd XV travel to Coventry Saracens after missing a week of playing due to a late cancelled fixture.

Report submitted by Alcester RFC