Alcester 1st XV 14, Old Wheats 1st XV 10

ALCESTER Rugby Club opened their season's account with a win, but this was a much below par performance that failed to live up to the expectations of the club's promising pre-season.

Despite conceding two early penalty opportunities, one of which was converted by the visitors, they started brightly enough and scored two tries in quick succession, both converted well by scrum half Taffy Handley.

The first was a superb finish by wing Sam Vernon after a swift back line move. The second came from flanker Mick Weaver who bustled over from a short-range penalty.

Alcester squandered a couple of other opportunities to extend their lead late in the first half, one of which was when fly half Matt Gwynn's clear run to the line was called back by the referee because of an off the ball incident involving another Alcester player behind him. This was one of several areas of indiscipline that against sterner opposition may have cost them dear.

Both sides ended the half a man short as the 'sin bin' claimed it's first two occupants. Alcester's Mick Weaver and shortly after an Old Wheats forward, both for illegal rucking.

Alcester quite simply failed to appear in the second half, despite stern words from captain Andy Flynn.

The line out and scrum fell to pieces and they struggled to win any of their own ball. This prompted heads to drop and Old Wheats started to take control of the tight play. However, they didn't really threaten the Alcester line until five minutes from the end when they scored a converted try.

There is much to work on before next week's Tetley Vase visit to Earlsdon, who should prove much tougher opponents. There are a few bright spots. Man of the match Robbie Parker making his first appearance at full back looked dangerous every time he had the ball. Wings Chico Hack and try scorer Vernon also gave encouraging displays.

The mood in the dressing room after the game was as if Alcester had lost by 30 points. That's how much it meant to the players to perform well and they all know that a drastic improvement is needed if they are to realise the club's ambitions for the season.

Old Wheats 2nd XV 22 Alcester 2nd XV 21

ALCESTER travelled to Coventry in their first outing of the new season. From the kick-off Alcester were slow and a little disorganised and after only 10 minutes they home side went over for a try. Alcester hit back with a deceptive run by new fly half Chris Hall, Andy Smith converted.

Soon after Old Wheats hit back with a well-worked try to hold a slender half-time lead.

Alcester started the second half with more purpose and were soon rewarded by a superb try by No 8 James Doyle. Andy Smith again converted. Fly half Hall was again on the scorecard when he ran in for his second try, again converted by Smith.

With time running out Alcester gave away a penalty to allow Old Wheats to take the lead with only seconds remaining.

Alcester 3rd XV 17 Stourport 3rd XV 10

WITH a freshly appointed referee in his first game, this was a superb match between two teams out to play open rugby. Stourport opened the scoring by winning quick lineout ball on the halfway and cutting through a robust Alcester defence.

Alcester's reply was a powerfully controlled push-over scrum 10 metres out, the front row of Wright, Moore and Bishop were outstanding throughout for the No 8 to score. Stourport countered with a try from a 5-metre penalty.

Man of the match Shearer Williams scored two tries from the halfway and Williams also made some superb tackles to prevent the visitors scoring two further tries. Other players to stand out were scrum half Mark Morrison and teenager Joe Anthony.

Alcester juniors start their training sessions this coming Sunday and it is hoped to increase numbers to above 100. Qualified coaches are on hand at all age groups to ensure the children's safety and the emphasis is on fun and improvement of individual skills.

Boys and girls are invited to turn up on Sunday, 10.30am start. Annual subscriptions are £5 with a 50p fee each session. Contact Mark Kitchen on (01789) 400125 for more details.