ALCESTER RFC came away with two bonus points after suffering a narrow 36-29 defeat away at joint league leaders Leamington.
Kyran Flynn, Christian Rushton, Lewis Wright and Ed Gough all crossed for tries while Will Silk added nine points from the kicking tee at Moorefields.
The result means Alcester sit fifth in the Counties 1 Midlands West (South) table after four matches.
Leamington broke the deadlock with a converted try following a strong driving maul before Alcester’s tighthead prop Flynn crashed over from close range with Silk unable to add the extras.
And despite losing lock Louis Smith to a nasty head cut, Alcester took the lead when back rower Rushton crossed for the away side’s second try and Silk converted.
However, Leamington levelled the game with a second try of their own to send the teams into the break level at 12-apiece.
Alcester restored their lead at the start of the second half as Wright dotted down and Silk kicked the extras.
Leamington hit back with a converted try from another powerful driving maul before Alcester were held up over the line at the other end.
The home side scored two quickfire tries to take the game out of Alcester’s reach before Gough touched down and Silk converted to secure a try bonus point for the visitors.
And both teams added a penalty to their respective totals which ensured Alcester also went home with a losing bonus point.
Alcester are next in action at home to Old Coventrians on Saturday, September 30 with kick-off at 3pm at Birmingham Road.
