Spartans 29

Alcester 0

ALCESTER slipped to a disappointing defeat in their final league game against a pumped up home side keen to impress a sizeable Presidents Day crowd.

The Kings Coughton men said they would stand by the result despite a Spartans member taking control of the game after the designated match official failed to show.

Alcester were forced into another late change when flanker Phil Birks broke down with a recurrence of a knee injury. Matt Bolton was called up from the seconds as a replacement.

Alcester trailed 17-0 at half time through two converted tries and a penalty. They conceded two further tries in the second half, one of which was improved by a conversion, as any hope of Alcester getting back into the game was disrupted through injury.

Lock Dave Marriott and club captain Brett Allard both had to leave the field with leg injuries.

Alcester make their final outing of the season on Saturdayin a friendly at home to North Midlands Two leaders Old Griffinians (KO 3pm).

n GRANT Skidmore's side put up a brave performance before slipping to a 24-7 defeat against Spartans.

The Alcester team were already travelling short after late cry-offs but they were further disrupted by injuries in the 1st XV game, which meant they lost players to league action and played most of the game at least one player short.

Dirk Bokman's try converted by Darren McGoolam was the only score for Alcester.