RUGBY UNION: Alchester slip up as Old Boys squeeze in (From Bicester Advertiser)

RUGBY UNION: Alchester slip up as Old Boys squeeze in

8:00am Thursday 4th February 2010

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Alchester went down to a narrow 10-5 defeat in a hard-fought encounter at Swindon College Old Boys in Saturday’s Berks, Bucks & Oxon Premier League encounter.

The visitors started strongly and forced Swindon into their own 22 for the first 15 minutes, but were unable to turn this pressure into points. They were also denied a push over try by the referee.

Swindon forced their way back with several strong runs by their No 12, but Alchester remained in control with dominance in the scrum despite being up against a bigger pack.

Prop Sean Cooke was impressive troubling the Swindon defence with some impressive runs.

However, they went behind to a Swindon penalty to trail 3-0 at the break.

The second half become much more physical with Sw-indon pressuring the Alchester pack. It paid off when Alchester captain Dan Kimber was sent to the sinbin for punching.

With the extra man, Swindon kept Alchester pinned in their 22 and they forced their way over the line from a tap penalty.

The try was converted to give the hosts a 10-0 lead.

Alchester started to put together some decent play, but they were unable to find a finishing touch.

That was until the outstanding Ben Ancil broke from out wide and beat three defenders to score in the corner.

Adam Thompson missed the conversion as Alchester trailed 10-5 with five minutes to go. But Swindon held on.

On Saturday, Alchester again travel to Wiltshire to take on Marlborough in the Southern Counties semi-final of the Senior Vase.

Victory would leave them three wins from the final at Twickenham.

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