Lewis Walker scores four tries as Alcester run out emphatic 72-0 winners over Yardley and District

ALCESTER recorded an emphatic 72-0 victory over Yardley and District on Saturday as rugby was welcomed back to Kings Coughton for the first time in 17 months.

The afternoon was close to perfect with a great supporter turnout and an entertaining game of rugby which saw Lewis Walker run in four tries.

Within moments of the starting whistle, the captains were asked to discipline their sides as the aggression from the past year-and-a-half spilled over in what was supposed to be a friendly affair.

Nigel Burrows opened the scoring within five minutes and the try was successfully converted by Ed Gough. A few minutes later Walker scored his first try of the afternoon.

Jamie Clarke was next to add to the scoreboard, crossing the line under the posts and it soon became clear how the game was going to go with Yardley sporting some inexperienced players making an appearance in their first game of rugby.

Josh O’Connor showed that he’s lost little of his strength over the lay-off period by making a break down the wing and handing off several opposition before quick hands out wide made it to Walker for his second.

Jamie Harland sealed the end of the first quarter to make it 29-0, the friendly nature and the surprise return of slightly hotter weather saw the game split into four to allow for rolling substitutes and regular water breaks.

The second quarter was a stark contrast to the first, with both teams failing to score.

The third quarter saw a return to scoring action with Henry Jenkins crossing the line on the back of a catch and drive from the line-out.

Glyn Smith threw a crowd-pleasing dummy pass which convinced the defence and saw him make a break from 20 yards out. He saw off several other defenders to complete the score, with Seb Cortes adding the extras through the conversion.

James Roberts marked the end of the third quarter by crossing the whitewash in the corner to make it 46-0.

The final quarter saw the return of the players who started the game, which also saw the same intensity return.

Walker was quick to score his hat-trick, showcasing his infamous goose step and quick pace.

Matt Johnson crossed the line for Alcester’s tenth try and Gough successfully slotted over a difficult conversion.

Before the final whistle Antony Cauvin added to the scoreboard and Walker bagged his fourth try which was successfully converted to seal the game at 72-0.

Alcester travel to Rugby St Andrews for a Warwickshire Cup tie this Saturday.