ALCESTER skipper Andy Flynn returned from a week's absence with the message We have to get something out of Saturday.

Alcester slumped into the bottom three after a 17-6 loss to third-placed Shipston.

And Flynn will want to avoid another dismal run after stopping the rot with successive league wins over Pinley and Rugby St Andrews.

Alcester entertain mid-table Spartans on Saturday (ko 2.30pm) and could haul themselves into a similar position with a win.

Worryingly for the injured captain, bottom club Pinley finally recorded their first win at the expense of Claverdon on Saturday. It looked for a while as if they were going under, said Flynn, but I had a feeling such a long-established club would turn it around.

The crippling injury crisis is starting to clear and the captain can call on centres again with John Dover (holiday), Nick Thompson (work) and Andy Smith returning to action. Prop Andy John is set to play despite a niggling ankle injury and second row Mark Kilbride and flanker Alan Williams are also in the frame.

Centre Chris Hall, still nursing an ankle injury, is ruled out on Saturday along with flanker Mick Weaver.

Flynn is on track for a Boxing Day return to action after a long absence with an old knee injury.