Alchester woes at the bottom of Southern Counties North increased as they went down to a 28-13 defeat at Drifters, despite a battling display.

The visitors were up against it from the start as they were able to name only two replacements in an injury-hit squad, Dave Pike, who was back after a long-term ankle problem, and Jamie Jones, who was still carrying a niggling injury.

But it was Alchester who opened the scoring, with a penalty from Tom Barnes.

That was cancelled out by Matt Brown with a penalty.

Drifters went ahead with a well-executed try.

Prop Bryan Rae combined with centre Rorie Hannigan before the ball was popped up to winger Olly Ashton, who cut inside before touching down for an unconverted try.

Brown then kicked another penalty for 11-3.

Alchester’s pack were controlling long passages of the game and their tight driving play was rewarded with a Jamie Jones try.

Ashton added his second score for 16-8, with John Cooper’s unconverted try making it 21-8.

Alchester cut the deficit with James Hay going over for another unconverted score.

But the home side sealed a bonus point when Cameron Denton scored Drifters’ fourth try, which was converted.

Late on, Alchester were reduced to 14 men when Craig Boyce was sent off as tempers flared.

On Saturday, Alchester host High Wycombe.