Old Wheatleans 7

Alcester 20

ALCESTER managed their first win on the road in more than a year as they pummelled bottom club Old Wheats in their own backyard.

Old Wheats, still fighting for their first points this season, gave their visitors a tough opening 15 before Phil Birks sucked in a line-out ball giving Alcester the opportunity to form a driving wedge and hooker Dickie Moore crashed over. Scott Carmichael converted before being replaced by Owen Phillips because of a dead leg.

Old Wheats came straight back into the game with a try of their own under the posts after several missed tackles by Alcester.

But Alcester didn't lose their concentration and regained the lead as Birks again pounced at the line-out and fed Andy Flynn who made space and dived over for the final score of the half.

After the break Wheats started stronger but conceded a penalty in front of the posts which was converted by fly half John Dover.

Alcester scrum half Neil Moreland capitalised on a mistake in the home defence to touch down his side's third try in the final few minutes to make the game safe.

Alcester coach Ron Crawley nominated skipper Brett Allard as his man of the match.

The Kings Coughton men now have breathing distance between them and relegation but will again have to up their performance for the visit of high-fliers Harbury on Saturday (KO 2.15pm).

Alcester 2nds 35

Old Wheatleans 2nds 12

ALCESTER seconds played some of their "best rugby this season" as they returned to regular action with a hard fought victory.

After the Wheats took a 7-0 lead Darren Gwyllim reduced their arrears with a penalty which was quickly followed up with a try for Steve Wade.

Fly half Andy Smith went over for a memorable score before the interval.

But the seconds weren't finished and more tries came from Mick Russell, Richard Stanford and Nev Teasdale before skipper Andy Foster burrowed over for his first try in five years.