Warwickshire One

Alcester 10 Stoke Old Boys 12

Alcester slipped to an agonisingly narrow defeat in a vital game where victory would have seen them swap places with their opponents into mid-table.

Unfortunately, the manner of the defeat epitomised much of Alcester's season so far, particularly in their matches at King's Coughton, where they have dominated possession and territory for much of the game but lack the killer instinct to put sides away.

Starting up the slope in the first half, Alcester made good progress. They held the lead at the turn thanks to prop Matt Bolton's accurate boot from their only kickable penalty opportunity.

Down the slope in second half and the Alcester pack really began to stamp their authority at the set phase.

But they were dealt a cruel blow when the visitors took the lead with a try against the run of play. The ball was spun left deep inside the Stoke 22 with a try likely only for the pass to go astray and the visiting inside centre sped clear of the Alcester chasers.

Alcester did not let this setback affect them and they went straight back on the offensive. Once again the forwards created the platform on the right hand side of the field and this time when the ball made its way to fly-half Dan Parr, he spotted a gap and dived over to reclaim the lead for his side. Bolton's second successful kick added the extras.

To the visitors' credit, although they were on the defensive for much of the half, they were always a threat when they did manage to win a clean ball. And they took the lead again with the most incisive move of the afternoon. A ball tapped back from a line-out was won by the visitors and a neat move saw the centre slice through the Alcester defence.

With just under 20 minutes remaining Alcester still had time to turn their domination into the comfortable victory that would have reflected the pattern of the game.

The home side went close late on but were held up over the line.

Alcester are back on their travels next week for the tough trip to unbeaten joint leaders Spartans where they will be hoping to find some finishing ability to add to their decent build up play.