Alcester run out comfortable winners at Burbage to cement top spot

Burbage 5-38 Alcester

Counties Two Midlands West (South)

ALCESTER carried on their winning form from the end of last year into their first game of 2023, as the Red and Blacks maintained top spot with victory at Burbage.

After missing two games before Christmas that were cancelled due to the frosty weather, plus the festive break, the Kings Coughton men didn’t look out of shape as Mark Burrell touched down in the opening minute. The conversion was missed.

Despite the wet and boggy conditions, Alcester continued to dominate on the field. A neat line-out turned into a driving maul before Ed Gough carried the ball over the line under the posts, making for an easy conversion for Tom Burgess.

Burbage fought hard and were showing grit and determination but Alcester’s defence held strong. In attack, Gough drew in the defence and was able to set captain Will Silk free to dive over the line for Alcester’s third try of the half.

Just before half-time, the heavens opened and the rain from earlier in the day returned. The score stood at 19-0 in Alcester’s favour as the teams opted for a brief break before returning to the game.

Minutes into the second half, the visitors were awarded a penalty but it was wide of the uprights, before Jack Green scored Alcester’s bonus-point try, complemented by a good conversion.

Jamie Harland was next to add to the scoresheet as he dodged several defenders to the line. Man-of-the-match Lewis Wright then ran from deep within his own half, handing off several Burbage players in his path to be the next over the whitewash.

Alcester made it difficult for the home side but Burbage finally managed to get on the board with a try of their own. They then thought they secured another but it was held up over the line and the final whistle was blown.

The Red and Blacks host Claverdon on Saturday (2.15pm kick-off) as they look for their 13th win of the season.