AMBITIOUS Alcester continue to press their claims for promotion from Midlands Three West South after snapping up a 19-6 success over Nuneaton side Manor Park.

It takes Alcester's recent league tally to five wins from six games and puts them right on heels on leaders Rugby St Andrews and Shipston on Stour.

But it wasn't always plain sailing against Manor Park, especially in the first half when Alcester found themselves on the back foot when playing up the slope in heavy conditions.

It was Manor Park who drew first blood with a penalty but Alcester responded when Jack Green secured his 21st try of the season with fly-half Max Biltcliffe adding the conversion.

But the effort was taking its toll as Alcester's Lee Avery-Sherwood was dealt a yellow card for persistent infringement.

Manor Park piled on the pressure and Alcester were dealt a huge slice of luck when Park's number eight made it over the line, but then dropped the ball in the process of grounding it as a result of an Alcester defensive tackle.

A second Park penalty meant Alcester held a slender 7-6 lead at the break.

But with the elements in their favour for the second half, Alcester soon made that advantage tell as centre Jamie Harland went over for a try which was followed by another successful Biltcliffe conversion.

However Alcester were handed another setback as Matt Alderman was sent to the sin bin.

Despite his absence, Alcester's pack proceded to take charge and went close to a pushover try on more than one occasion.

Alcester eventually obtained the decisive try, Jack Green again making the initial break before feeding his brother Josh O'Connor, who used all his strength to shrug off Park's defensive cover and score in the corner.

On another day, Alcester would have expected to extend their lead further but the grind of their first half exertions finally took it toll and sapped their energy.

The second XV lost out to Manor Park 43-5 with Jacob Turner scoring the only Alcester points.

Both teams take a break from league action this weekend with friendly fixtures yet to be arranged.