ALCESTER secured a place in the second round of the Warwickshire Shield thanks to a 31-8 victory over Bedworth on Saturday.
The scoreline slightly flattered the home side who saw themselves fall behind after 20 minutes when Bedworth slotted over a penalty kick.
However, Bedworth soon found themselves down to 14 men when they were penalised for not retreating at a penalty.
Alcester took advantage of the extra man and gained the lead after a great line run by Josh O’Connor set Lewis Walker free to the try-line.
The home side kept hold of a 5-3 advantage going into the break, although their lead would have been greater had Phil Birks not been held up over the line just before the interval.
Alcester’s top try-scorer from last season – Jack Green – got this year’s tally up and running by being the first to cross the whitewash in the second half after Alcester completed a good set piece from the back of the scrum.
Winger Sidney Tunstall made a try-saving tackle to deny Bedworth their first try but was sin-binned after the tackle was deemed high by the referee.
The opposition pressed for the line but their attempt was held up until, after sustaining the pressure and with the advantage of the extra man, they were able to score out wide.
Scott McGee tried to reassert control of the game for Alcester and showed his quick legs to run in from 40 yards to score in front of the clubhouse and home supporters.
However, his celebrations were cut short as the oppositions touch judge raised his flag to rule McGee out of play with his foot in touch and the try was disallowed.
Alcester continued to push though and ran in three late tries to seal victory.
O’Connor scored the try of the game with a brilliant individual effort, running in from halfway. Walker then secured his second try of the game before Jacob Turner put the icing on the cake, with Ed Gough converting all of the final three.
Midlands Three West (South) action begins on Saturday, when Alcester welcome Woodrush on their ‘Legends Day’ during which players, coaches and supporters past and present will come down to celebrate the start of Alcester’s Diamond Jubilee season. Kick-off is at 2.15pm.
