Harbury 5 Alcester 12
Midlands Four West (South)
ALCESTER recorded their fourth successive league victory and moved into third place as they secured a thoroughly deserved but all too rare success at Harbury.
The visitors were never really at their best as they missed their entire lineout unit from the previous week’s victory over Coventry Welsh.
The set phase was an area in which Alcester struggled throughout but, despite their lack of possession, they dominated proceedings in the first half and really should have been further ahead than they were at the break.
After having the better of the early exchanges against a side relegated from the division above at the end of the previous season, Alcester took the lead through a score from captain Jack Green after an excellent period of high-tempo possession which saw them move play across the field to create the opening. Luke Spencer converted the score.
The visitors missed other clear opportunities to extend their lead before they made the most of an overlap situation to set left wing Lewis Walker free and he scored to give Alcester a fully deserved two-try lead.
In the closing stages of the first half the home side enjoyed their best period of the game so far and only a good tackle from full back Scott Carmichael prevented a first home score.
After turning around 12-0 ahead at the break, the visitors’ best defensive efforts came to the fore as Harbury noticeably upped the tempo and aggression in the early stages of the second half.
On the back foot for the first sustained period in the game, Alcester were forced to play ten minutes a man down after prop Sam Lear was yellow-carded for not retreating at a penalty.
The visitors survived that period of play and most of the second half with Harbury on top, without really threatening the Alcester line, until the hosts finally made the most of their domination of possession with a try in the corner.
However, Alcester ended the game in the ascendancy to seal a deserved victory.
In a strong team showing, 18-year-old wing Tom Goddard was named man of the match following another good performance in defence and attack.
Alcester host lowly Coventry side Keresley on Saturday (2.15pm).